MADISON – Although pumpkins still have their jack-o-lantern smiles, volunteers already have been planning for Christmas events in downtown Madison.

Members of Madison Station Historic Preservation Society and city employees are working together to launch the 2022 holiday season. These volunteers are inviting organizations, businesses, clubs and individuals to participate in the ninth annual Madison Station Polar Express Christmas on Main.

This first event on the 2022 holiday schedule involves decorating and maintaining a Christmas tree along Main Street in downtown Madison. Trees will remain in place from Dec. 2 through Jan. 1, 2023.

Registration deadline is close-of-business on Nov. 11. All trees will be sold on a first come/first served basis.

Registration forms (which are the same as this flier) are available online at the city website.

To access the form, visit “www.madisonal.gov” and hover the cursor at “Community”; click “SPECIAL EVENTS.” Scroll down to the section, “2022 Polar Express Christmas on Main Tree Decorating Contest” and click “Tree Decorating Registration Form.” Complete the registration near the bottom of the form.

Next, email the completed form to debbie.overcash@gmail.com. For the registration fee, postal mail checks payable to the City of Madison to: Madison City Hall, 100 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758, Attention: City Clerk Lisa Thomas. On the check’s memo line, write “Polar Express.”

Entry fee for profit organizations is $100, while non-profit organizations will pay $50. When the contact person has received the registration form and payment, the participant will receive a Hold Harmless Agreement; the participant must sign the agreement and email it immediately to debbie.overcash@gmail.com or postal mail it to Debbie Overcash, 110 Sanoma Drive, Madison, AL 35758 to receive registration confirmation.

Participants can start to decorate trees on Nov. 25 and must complete decorations by close-of-business on Dec. 1.

A ceremony to officially light all trees is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Madison City Community Orchestra will entertain. Madison Public Library staff will coordinate the reading of “The Polar Express.” Members of Rotary Club of Madison will serve hot chocolate and cookies. Madison Arts Council will present the Children’s Lantern Parade.

A select panel of judges will evaluate the trees for awards and decide on “Mayor’s Choice,” “Most Creative” and “Honorable Mention.” Winners will receive awards at the City Council meeting at City Hall on Jan. 9, 2023, at 6 p.m.

The number of trees is limited so reserve a tree early. Participants must remove all decorations by Jan. 4, 2023.

All proceeds will benefit Madison Station Historic Preservation Society. For more information, call 256-772-0307 or email Debbie.overcash@gmail.com.