The sidewalks of Madison will be hopping for the Madison Chamber of Commerce's 12th Annual Beachcomber Night Thursday, Aug. 18, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Michele Call, executive director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, expects it will be a memorable evening of socializing, sipping, shopping, and live entertainment in downtown.

“It was started back in 2010, and was the brainchild of downtown retailers who were looking to create an event that would become a staple, which it has, to celebrate summer, the town of Madison, and also to support a local charity,” Call said.

According to Call, previous Beachcomber nights have attracted over 700 people to enjoy live music, beverage tastings from local breweries and distributors, food samplings, special sales, and drawings for great prizes. Call said, this year’s event will be another interesting mix of vendors, music, and food.

“We will have live music. The stores stay open late, the restaurants will all be open. There will be local food trucks, like Mariano’s, and there will be a taco truck, and were also hoping to have a chowder truck as well,” Call said. “We want people to come and meander through the shops and restaurants.”

This year the Chamber has announced that this year's charitable beneficiary is the Madison Ambulance association.

“This year we are supporting the Madison Ambulance because throughout COVID they have really stepped up and been incredible,” Call explained. “I’m not sure most residents know that this ambulance service is a non-profit. It’s not a big ambulance company and it is very important that we support our local ambulance so that when you call 911, there is no delay. Our ambulance company ensures that the ambulance you call for doesn’t come from two towns away and that the response time is as quick as possible. Our service has done a great job, so it’s critical that we support them and their mission.”

Wristbands for the event allow entry into the festivities, and the cost is $15 on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased for $12 online before the date. Proceeds from wristband sales benefit the Madison Ambulance.

“Attendees will be given a map along with their wrist band and if you visit at least three of the locations on the map, you can turn the map back in to us and we have some great stuff to raffle off at 7:30 p.m.,” said Call. “It has turned into such a great event. Many people have told me that Beachcomber Night is their favorite night of the whole summer. They love coming down and seeing the whole town so full of life and energy and fun. It really is such an enjoyable night out. We’ve had people tell us that they wish we could hold it every week of the summer. People are really excited for it.”

The Chamber is also seeking sponsors for this popular event to help defray costs and increase the donations to Madison Ambulance. Sponsors' names will be included in all publicity, including posters, handouts, website and Facebook, as well as press releases to all media outlets.

Anyone wishing to sponsor should contact the Chamber before Tuesday, July 19.

Call said a number of sponsors are already on board and the event is shaping up to be the best one yet. Early sponsors that have already committed include; Essex Savings Bank, Fine Home Solutions by Brady, GSB, Hammonasset Dental, Key Bank, Madison Beach Hotel, and Peter Scranton and Sher Walton.

For more information, visit madisonct.com