The fifth annual Celebrate Madison was in full swing Thursday night, Oct. 29 at Toyota Field. The event offered family fun for all ages with trick-or-treating, food samples and patriotic performances.
“Celebrate Madison was just an idea five years ago, and now it’s a community tradition,” Madison Chamber president Michelle Epling said. “This didn’t happen because of one person, organization or business. It happened because people believed Madison is something worth celebrating.”
The air was full of early 2000s tunes, with Ciara’s “1, 2 step” taking the chill from the air and setting the tone for the night as over 900 attendees entered the celebration.
Trick-or-treaters got a bag upon entry and made their way throughout the walking zones of the stadium receiving candy and merchandise from vendors and sponsors. As the festivities began, kiddos took a seat with their treats and watched a 30-minute patriotic presentation.
The celebration also included a special tribute to Team Redstone, as the Arsenal celebrates its 85th year. Madison Celebrates Team Redstone served as the theme for the night.
Honorees from Redstone included Garrison Commander Col. Katie Slingerland, Space Command Maj. Gen. Terry Grisham and Brig. Gen. Katie Trombley, from the Army Reserve.
When presented with their tokens, the stadium echoed with “Thank you, Team Redstone.”
“Thank you seems like such a small token of our appreciation for all of our partners with Team Redstone, for all you do for our city and nation,” Epling said.
Following was an update on Madison City Schools, in which they received a $15,000 check for their Supporting Our Students fund, and the announcement of Madison’s military family of the year. This year, the Wilson family was the honoree.
Andy and Bryana Wilson have served in the Army a combined 26 years. The Wilsons have three kids and the family of five often opens their home to foster children, spends time volunteering and running through the Rocket City.
Their nominator, Amber Moore said, “Their service extends far beyond the military; reflecting a lifelong commitment to their family, neighbors and the Madison community. Their faith has inspired years of service as youth leaders, tutors and mentors.”
After the Wilsons were honored, more music filled the air along with a fireworks show to usher out the minor league baseball stadium’s guests for the night.
Social Sharing