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David Burke brought out the boa to the delight of some children and unmitigated terror of others. (T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff) -
The Rocky Creek Band takes the Madfest stage to entertain during the afternoon. (T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff) -
You can almost smell the onions sautéing on the grill as this chef prepares tasty ingredients. (T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff) -
An artist works on a painting as part of MAGallery’s Plein Air Paint Out. (T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff) -
Madison finest, Corporal Travis Stubbs and Officer Mike Maxwell see to public safety at Madfest. (T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff) -
David Burke’s prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtle looks hungry. -
Countless Other out of Athens takes the Madfest stage following the Rocky Creek Band. (T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff)
Madfest was held beneath overcast skies on April 27, but the event still attracted a large crowd of locals and visitors drawn to Madison for the festivities organized by the city each spring at Town Park.
Although Madfest is a portmanteau of Madison and Festival, one might well define Madfest as being carried away by enthusiasm for this celebration of community, spring flowers, garden plants, handmade arts and crafts, with regional food and great live music available all day long from locations on Madison’s Second Street.
One of the most popular attractions at this year’s festival was the reptile exhibit brought to the festival by David Burke of Tailshakers.
Boys and girls were fascinated by the various reptiles, which included a pigmy rattlesnake, copperheads, different lizards, and a boa.
Surprisingly, all the little girls reached out to touch the boa when given the chance, but some of the little boys recoiled in horror at the prospect.
Burke also brought along a prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtle.
Artists could be seen applying paint to canvasses around the park as part of MAGallery’s Plein Air Paint Out held during Madfest.
The event encouraged painters to come out and paint from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Finished paintings were showcased on the park Pavilion Stage.
Astronomers from the Charlie Elliot Astronomy Club were also on hand with telescopes, hoping to give those interested a chance to take a peek at the sun.
However, the skies didn’t cooperate with that plan. Still, kids can talk to astronomers about cosmic and celestial matters.