Early November Newsletter Draft 

It's heading into a special time of year in Madison, a time for
celebrating holiday traditions.  These have a special meaning in a
historic town like ours, since some date back to the beginning of
our area and it's settlers.  The city of Madison and the town of
Hanover are both celebrating the 200th anniversary of their
founding, so these traditions are even more special this year.
   
Starting off the Holidays is the Light Up Madison celebration on
November 13th.  Mayor Tim Armstrong will light up downtown Madison
on Friday, November 13 at 5:30 pm.  The event will take place at
the Christmas tree located at Main and Broadway and will feature a
performance by the cast of "Rivertown". Santa and Mrs. Claus will
be on hand as well, so be sure to bring the kids for a family
friendly event!  

The Art Jam will also be held that evening, as artists show off
their skills along Madison's Main Street.  There will be
refreshments and entertainment, and The Madison Trolley will
provide free rides from 5pm-9pm during the event.  Art Jam is
presented by the Madison Main Street Program. 

The Madison Business & Professional Association and Downtown
Madison Merchants will be presenting their Christmas Open House on
the 13th.  The shops will have lots of goodies and surprises for
you, and will be staying open until 9pm.  You will find items for
sale during the Open House that you can't find anywhere else, the
smiles are real, and the money you spend stays here in the area. 
As you shop, be sure to register for the $500 shopping spree to be
given away, courtesy of the Madison Courier. Enjoy Food, Fun,
Shopping & More! 

The reduced price ticket sales for the Nights Before Christmas
Candlelight Tour of Homes end Friday, November 13th at midnight. 
The Adult ticket price goes up to $15.00 each, so buy your tickets
early and save! This year's Tour of Homes is November 27, 28 & 29
and December 4, 5 & 6.  Back by popular demand is the Nights &
Nibble Express progressive dinner.  This dinner is held November 29
or December 6 during the tour, but space is limited, so don't wait
too long. 

Children also can help with the holidays by learning how to make a
Gingerbread house or Holiday ornaments at one of the Jefferson
County Historical Society workshops.  Celebrate the holidays with
sweets! We will be decorating the Heritage Center for the Christmas
Tour of Homes and need your help! Please join us in re-creating
some of Madison's famous buildings in candy and other goodies.  The
Gingerbread House classes will be on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10:00 -
noon or Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10:00 - noon.  Visit Jefferson
County Historical Society's page for the class or call  JoAnne at
265-4741.  

Then come help us decorate for the annual Christmas Tour
of Homes! We will be decorating four trees in celebration of
Madison's Bicentennial. Ornaments will range from rustic to
Victorian and everything in-between. Each child will make at least
4 ornaments to hang on the trees. The ornaments can be picked up
after the Tour to decorate your own tree!  Visit the JCHS page for
the class or call JoAnne at 265-4741.  Both classes require
preregistration and are limited in space. 

Hanover College will be hosting a Choral Concert Saturday, November
14th, at the Center for Fine Arts, Fitzgibbon Recital Hall. 
Tickets for the 2PM performance may be purchased by calling the Box
Office at 812-866-7110 during regular business hours. 
 
On November 21, Madison Vineyards will be holding their Twilight
Tasting.  A four course meal at the Vineyards features a glass of
their newly released wine "Blanc de Blancs".  The Tasting will be
held either in the Tasting Room or the covered deck.  Limited
seating is available, Guaranteeed reservations required.  For more
information, coll Madison Vineyards at 812.273.6500 or
888-473-6500. 
Our Holiday brochure is available for downloading at
VisitMadison.org.  For more updates about events happening in
Madison and Jefferson County, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter,
and coming soon, our Wordpress blog.  You can also sign up at our
Visit Madison web site or Facebook page for our bi-weekly
newsletter, delivered directly to your inbox.

We'll be bringing you news of more events in the area on November
24.  We hope to see
you for the holidays here in Madison!