Taste of the Mountains Main Street Festival

The 24th annual “TASTE OF THE MOUNTAINS” Street Festival, sponsored by the Madison Chamber of Commerce will be held on September 3, 2016 9am to 4pm. The event has earned its reputation for uniqueness with a following of visitors that return every year. In 1999 it was named as one of the top 20 festivals in the southeastern region.

This occasion started in 1992 as a heritage festival that celebrates the Mountain and Traditional cultures of the 18th & 19th century America as reflected in the customs and history of the Blue Ridge Mountains region and has continued this theme. The entire family can enjoy the day, browsing, shopping, enjoying the games, riding ponies, listening to great music, eating and taking pleasure in the vast array of entertainment.

Each year many new artists and craftspeople were added along with those who participated in the past. Some demonstrated their creativity and their wares.  Antique collectors found treasures they had been looking for and various informative exhibits were present. Live entertainment continued all day at different locations along the street where visitors can stop, rest and enjoy the music. Children enjoyed the games, sand art, fossils, pony rides or catch a magic show by Wes Iseli, the Magician. A Wine Tasting tent was added in 2014 showcasing Madison County's wineries!

Living History was on the grounds of the Kemper Residence where the Seventh Virginia Infantry Unit, Co. C, reenactors depicting camp life during the Civil War and General Kemper’s tent was an added attraction. Antique car enthusiasts enjoyed viewing the cars exhibited by the Fredericksburg AACA.

Food and drink, as always, were in abundance, all prepared by the people of Madison, who are noted for their country fare. Madison’s restaurants, antique and gift shops were open to welcome visitors.

Historic Madison, Virginia is easily accessible from all directions, Winchester, Washington, Fredericksburg, Richmond & Charlottesville, a scenic drive through the rolling countryside. There was no admission charge and there is always free parking at the High School and the Fair Grounds with shuttle buses for your convenience.