MADISON – While the 2022 Christmas season has passed, memories of special times will linger many years for residents who visited downtown Madison’s holiday events.

“The 2022 Madison Station Polar Express Christmas on Main and Christmas Capers were resounding successes,” Debbie Overcash said. Overcash is President of Madison Station Historic Preservation Society or MSHPS, the primary sponsor for the events.

“Annually, the MSHPS partners with the City of Madison to bring the Christmas Capers and the Polar Express on Main Street. This year was no different, as crowds gathered the evening of Friday, Dec. 2,” Overcash said.

“Main Street came alive with lights, music, hot chocolate and laughter. Partnering with other non-profits brings great variety to the evening . . . a little something for everyone,” Overcash said.

To set the festive mood, Madison City Community Orchestra provided lively Christmas music for the Polar Express. Rotary Club of Madison provided hot chocolate and cookies to all, and Madison Chamber of Commerce led the children in a light parade.

Immediately preceding the tree lighting, personnel from Madison Public Library engaged the children with a lively reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s book, “The Polar Express.” “At 6 p.m. sharp, Mayor Paul Finley led the countdown — 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 . . . ONE –and Main Street was brightly lit with 68 festive trees, kicking off the holiday season in Madison!” Overcash said.

At its Jan. 9 meeting, Madison City Council and Finley acknowledged the winning entries for decorated Christmas trees in the Polar Express. Rocket City Curling Club won the “Mayor’s Choice Award.” Filthy Gorgeous on Main received the honor of “Most Creative.” Madison Public Works Department earned “Honorable Mention” for its tree.

In another Christmas event, the fourth annual Madison Christmas Capers was held on Dec. 17 on Main Street. “Twelve rubber chickens with prizes each valued at over $200 were tossed by Larry and Walt Anderson from atop the old Hughes Hardware Store,” Overcash said.

“Christmas Capers is a reenactment of the 1920’s Christmas Capers, where ‘Doc’ Hughes tossed live chickens on Christmas Eve to guarantee residents had full tummies that night for dinner,” Overcash said. “The City of Madison also made sure that all the kiddies got a glimpse of and opportunity to share their Christmas list with Santa under the giant Christmas ornament on Main.”

For more information on the Polar Express and Christmas Capers or for a guided tour of the Roundhouse on Front Street, email debbie.overcash@gmail.com.

Christmas Capers