It’s that time again.
Madison County’s Taste of the Mountains Street Festival will take over Main Street Saturday, Aug. 30 for the 31st time. Held annually, except for two pandemic-related years, the festival offers something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy exhibits, history, artists, crafts, entertainment, antique cars, magic and more.
Browse, shop and play games throughout the day. A variety of artisans and craftspeople will be on-hand to offer their goods including handmade toys, signs, holiday decor and socks. Several new vendors will be on-site including Hold That Moment which makes photo magnets; fiber artist Ellen Taylor Design; Mellow Paintings with acrylic paintings, prints and ornaments; Gigl Rosy Designs with handsewn items and handcrafter wood items; Jer’s Yard Art; Williams Laser Works with engraved tumblers; and Kathy’s Clutter with boho jewelry and wearables. Bogg’s Welding, typically located in front of Madison Drug Company, is moving down the street closer to the Library Lawn. New local business Black Cat Antiques will be located in front of Beasley Park with antiques, vintage and handmade items as well as candles and soaps.
Local organizations and churches will share information about their offerings and missions. The Madison County Animal Shelter will be in Beasley Park with its adoptable animals and MAD Cats will again sell its socks in the same area.
Children can enjoy games, sand art and magic. Magician Wes Iseli will offer his magic shows throughout the day near Madison Drug Company. The Madison County High School Speech Team will offer face painting in front of Hilliard’s Auction House. Down the street on the Library Lawn, children can enjoy Camp Shenandoah Springs’ bus play area for toddlers.
Authors Tammy Tatum and Daniel Thompson will sell and sign their books. Both write children’s books. Tatum, who is the author of “Winslow Whiskerby” will also offer prints and stickers from her book as well as photo opportunities with one of the characters.
There will be an abundance of food options with trucks parked in front of the county administration building including The Bavarian Chef, Over the Top Chef, Catch the Chef, Smok Shak and Pop Pops Kettle Corn. New this year are Premier Baking Co and Brittney’s Kitchen. The United Methodist Men of Madison and Rose Park churches will once again offer breakfast at the church, 505 S. Main Street, 7-10 a.m. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, fried apples and drinks. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Proceeds will be donated locally. Cake Krums and Los Brothers will also be open for business. Four food-based businesses will make their festival debuts. Landslide Pickles will be across the street from Los Brothers offering its fresh pickles. Robert’s Hot Sauce will be along Main Street and Sippin’ on Sunshine will have lemonade, tea and slushies for sale. The Candy Farmer will offer freeze-dried candy.
Live entertainment will take place on the Library Lawn stage with Leon Rector up first at 10 a.m. The Virginia-based singer-songwriter is known for his deep baritone voice, songwriting and solo acoustic performances. He blends storytelling with timeless melodies often likened to that of Johnny Cash. Silver Creek will take the stage next providing favorites from yesterday and today with country, southern rock, funk, motown, r&b and hiphop. At 2:30 p.m., Austin Boggs will take the stage. A local musician, Boggs brings a unique blend of bluegrass, southern rock and classic country.
Also on the Library Lawn will be the wine and beer tent offering local libations and the LOVEwork sign. Take a family picture in front of the sign, post it on social media and use the hashtags #LOVEVA and #MadisonVA.
Taste of the Mountains will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is a rain or shine event. Admission is free and parking is available at Madison County High School with shuttle buses for convenience. There are a few additional parking spots available on Washington Street in the former General Store lot with an option donation to the Madison Free Clinic. For more information, call the Madison Chamber of Commerce at (540) 948-4455, visit www.madisonva.com or email tourism@madison-va.com.
