Madison's Taste of the Mountain street festival returns Saturday (2024)

Thousands are expected to flock to Madison Saturday for the 30th Taste of the Mountains Main Street Festival.

The annual, save for two pandemic-affected years, street festival is one of the largest events in Madison County and features a little something for everyone: antique cars, arts and crafts, handmade toys, pony rides, high school band performances and booths staffed by businesses, churches and other local organizations sharing information, stories and more.

“The entire family can enjoy the day, browsing, shopping, enjoying the games, listening to great music, eating and taking pleasure in the vast array of entertainment,” Tracey Gardner, the county’s director of economic development and tourism, told the Madison County Eagle. “Each year, many new artists and craftspeople are added along with those who participated in the past.”

Among the new vendors this year are Anderson’s Soft Pretzels and 127 Coffee. Both will be located in the circle in front of the Kemper Mansion with numerous other food trucks including Bavarian Chef, Catch the Chef, Over the Top Chef, Smok Shak and Pop Pops Kettle Corn.

The Madison United Methodist Men are once again offering breakfast at the church, which can be found at 505 S. Main St. from 7 to 10 a.m. On the menu are pancakes, grilled sausages, baked apples and beverages for $5 for children under 12 and $10 for all others. Proceeds help fund the Madison Emergency Services Association, public school activities, the Boys and Girls Club, Madison Free Clinic and other local organizations as well as individuals in need.

Cake Krums, at 117 N. Main St., will offer breakfast as well as prepackaged cinnamon rolls and apple butter donuts. Breakfast will be served all day, with lunch starting at 11 a.m.

Down the street, Mad Pepper, at 218 N. Main St., will be offering specials throughout the day. The Dry Run Band will play at the restaurant from 12 to 4 p.m., and the Madison Hockey League will host its dunk tank on-site.

Across the street will be the Little Country Store. The Etlan favorite, known for its barbecue, is returning to the street festival this year.

Circle H Equine is also returning, offering pony rides in the Beth Car Church Lawn.

Magician Wes Iseli will put on a magic show throughout the day in the lot adjacent to the Madison Drug Company, and various musical acts, including Bennie Dodd, will perform at the pavilion on the library lawn.

Antique cars will be on display in the Madison County Library parking lot. The LOVEwork, an oversize “LOVE” sign ad one of Virginia’s trademark photo ops, will be on the library lawn. Gardner said festival-goers are encouraged to take photos with the giant letters and share them on social media using the hashtags #LOVEVA and #MadisonVA. Also on the library lawn will be the beer and wine tent with libations from local breweries and wineries.

A variety of vendors, organizations, clubs and businesses will have booths along both sides of Main Street.

Some of the new offerings this year include 3D printed toys and festival hair from Bowl and Chain. Bridle Trail Retrievers will offer dog leashes and collars, plus information on its training, breeding and boarding services. Gardner said Fehu Studio will make its debut at the festival with its jewelry, and Quill and Snout will offer handmade plush animals, dog collars and embroidered bags. Madison Lightforge LLC will have wall art and wood items, including clocks and key holders. Rapidan Baptist Camp will share information on its services and the Madison County African American Historical Association will offer historical literature. Cowan Roofing will also be making its festival debut.

Also new this year will be Bitty’s Waxing. The business, which opened several months ago, is located at 121 N. Main Street and will be opening at 9 a.m. offering facial waxing, retail sales and a raffle. Plus, select tiny tattoos will be $60. Designs include antlers, mountains, waves, wings and more.

“Taste of the Mountains offers something for everyone,” Gardner said.

Taste of the Mountains will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is a rain-or-shine event. There is no admission charge, and there will be free parking at the high school with shuttle buses for convenience. There will be a few parking spots on Washington Street in the Old General Store lot with optional donations to the Madison Free Clinic.