Great turn-out for Madison Down Home Days 2021

Long lines remained steady throughout the day in Madison.
-SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson

Bailynn, from Texas, braved the popular cross-over bridge the Boy Scouts had set up at the Madison Down Home Days event. -SVT Photo by Tami Stevenson

By Tami Stevenson

Madison, Fla., – Visitors were not deterred by the threat of inclement weather and packed the streets to celebrate Madison’s 40th Anniversary of Down Home Days last Saturday, April 24. The welcoming sweet and savory aromas of funnel cakes, smoked meats, cheese fries and other carnival treats wafted through the streets from the various food vendors, whetting everyone’s appetite. Visitors were not disappointed and long lines remained steady at the food booths throughout the event.

Down Home Days is sponsored by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director Marlene Squires-Swanson was glad to see the great turn-out, in spite of COVID.

“We had all the regular activities going on (that we normally have), for Down Home Days. We had the classic car show, Becky’s Dance Studio performed with all the different age levels, the Greenville School flag dance performance, the frog hop and something new this year, the box car strut,” said Swanson. “We moved the kids zone into the park this year to give them more shade. Almost 70 vendors signed up, not all came with the impending weather threat, but it was still a great turnout for the vendors as well.”

Among the vendors, David Plummer and Frankie Manor from Madison County Youth Football were there. As part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes League (FCA), they were giving out information and signing up youth from ages 5-12 to become part of the football league, which also has cheerleaders. They wanted to let readers know they accept students from Suwannee and Hamilton County as well as Madison.

“All of the the surrounding counties are welcome to participate,” said David Plummer. The cost is $160 per student, per year, and includes everything except the cleats. Cheerleader costs are $50 per year.

Manor and Plummer both said because this is a Christian-based organization they are about more than just the sport. It is a mentorship program. “We care about their grades (and overall well-being). It’s not just about the football. Yes, we want to win, but we talk to the kids about their grades and mentor them. We are there for them.”

The Boy Scouts set up a cross-over bridge that was very popular with youth of all ages. Boy Scout Lodge Medic Annette Jones said they were there in an effort to re-start the Madison troop once again.

A crew from the Live In Tallahassee TV show filmed the event and the Down Home Days segment is due to air Thursday, April 28 at 10:00 p.m. on Fox 49.

Swanson added chamber officials were very pleased with the turn-out for the 40th Anniversary of Down Home Days and are already looking forward to next year.