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10/19/2016 08:15 AMWith Halloween right around the corner, the scarecrows are out and Madison is getting ready for the festivities. Over the next two weeks, residents will have the opportunity to vote for scarecrows, cheer on the Bed Race, and partake in the Monster March and Trunk-or-Treat.
For the seventh year in a row, scarecrows are out in Madison. Organized by the Madison Chamber of Commerce, families, schools, business, and other organizations have had the opportunity to put scarecrows out around town. According to Chamber Executive Director Eileen Banisch, close to 60 scarecrows can be found around town this year.
The public can vote online at www.madisonct.com for their favorite scarecrow and the winner will be announced at the Trunk or Treat event on Monday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Town Green.
This weekend, Meetinghouse Lane will be turned into a racecourse for the third annual Madison Chamber of Commerce Bed Race on Saturday, Oct. 22. A dozen or more local organizations have signed on to pilot their highly modified beds along the Green for prizes and glory.
The race will begin at 2:15 p.m. Before the race, the beds will be on display at the Academy School-Memorial Town Hall parking area as well as music, food, and kids activities. For more information, call 203-245-7394 or visit madisonct.com.
Trunk or Treat is a safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating at which community members gather in one location and kids trick-or-treat from car trunks. The event began in 2012 after the destruction of Superstorm Sandy threatened to cancel Halloween. The event has continued to grow and Banisch said they are expecting a big turnout this year.
“Last year there were at least 500 attendees and over 40 trunks,” she said.
With all that activity taking place on the Town Green, Banisch noted, “The Police Department is a huge help and co-sponsor of this event.”
Before kids go and collect candy at the Trunk or Treat, residents will have the opportunity to participate in the Monster March, an opportunity for those in costume to trick-or-treat at the businesses of downtown Madison.
The March will he held Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. Put on by the Madison Newcomers Club, the march has been a popular event in town for over six years.
“The members of the Newcomers Club wanted to provide an exciting and safe Halloween event for local families to enjoy,” said Newcomer Erica McMillian. “It was important to us to integrate the many small businesses in the downtown area, because they are a vital part of Madison’s community and have always been very supportive of our club’s mission.”
Last year McMillian said close to 100 children marched in the parade and the club is expecting close to 150 people this year. After the march, participants are invited to parade to the Deacon John Grave House for a picnic lunch. McMillian said a lot of people pitch in to make the picnic a success.
“We are very grateful to have several businesses in town donate food for the families to enjoy,” she said. “For example last year, Subway, Stop & Shop, and Roberts Food Center were all extremely generous in their donations of food and drinks. In addition, the members of the Newcomers Club very graciously donate their time as well as food to serve at the picnic. We are lucky to have such an active and supportive group of women all with the shared goal of fostering a fun, safe, and supportive environment for families to enjoy.”
The Bed Race is on Saturday, Oct. 22 on Meeting House Lane. The Monster March will be held Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. in downtown Madison. Trunk or Treat will be held Monday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Town Green.