Crystal McBrayer

TThe Madison Street Festival is the city’s largest event and it is put on through an all-volunteer committee under the leadership of Crystal McBrayer. It is also a 501c3 organization whose mission is to motivate and support students of all ages and abilities by providing access to education and educational programs.

Crystal and the festival planning committee worked tirelessly for two years to bring back the Madison Street Festival after the COVID-19 pandemic shut it down and in 2022, during its 40 festival, it drew crowds of over 40,000 to downtown Madison.

“Each year, on the first Saturday in October, the Madi-

President of the Madison Street Festival

son Street Festival showcases our community, and our community helps the festival to be successful,” said Crystal. “It really takes a lot of individual collaboration to make such a fun event happen. Not only do we spend months planning, but the small businesses and participants also spend months preparing for the event.”

Her fellow committee members credit the success of the 2022 Madison Street Festival to Crystal’s positive attitude, concern for others, and extremely hard work ethic.

One of the reasons she pours so much into this volunteer role is the impact that the Madison Street Festival makes through its educational grant program that supports com- munity literacy. Last year, proceeds from the Madison Street Festival went to supporting 16 educational programs in Madison City.

“I feel honored to be able to serve in a role where we can impact so many lives in our area through this event,” said Crystal. “

Crystal has been living, working, and volunteering in Madison since 1999. She says what keeps her involved is getting to work beside individuals giving their time, creativity, and talents to accomplish the goal of bettering the community.

“The comradery that happens, the connection between serving and accomplishing something great is beautiful and very fulfilling,” said Crystal.

As a community volunteer, Crystal says it is an exciting time for Madison, as she sees its growth as an opportunity.

“It has been such a joy to see this community grow year after year with new and exciting businesses and organizations that make our small town so wonderful. Add in the addition of the new community center, more greenway space, expansion of Town Madison, and new schools being built- I am grateful to call Madison my home. It is an honor to live and serve here.”