Update: Economic Development Group 'Lights Up' Town For Holidays

MADISON, CT —The Madison Economic Development Commission wants to "Light Up" Madison for the holiday season and early months of winter.

The EDC's idea is to create a "spectacle" with lights and other decorations that have "high impact and are highly visible" while maintaining the character of the town.

The lights show would be in the area of 613 Boston Post Road, east on Route 1 and then north on Wall Street to the intersection of Bradley Road.

The "spectacle" would be on display from Nov. 23 until Jan. 31, 2021.

A request for proposals is open now through Sept. 30.

"This year has been rough for small businesses. Restrictions on business and the unknowns ahead have many business owners and residents of Madison stressed," the EDC wrote noting it hopes to "brighten the spirits of residents, visitors and to provide a draw to town during the holiday season and early winter months."

To add to Madison's vibrancy and to brighten the spirits of residents and visitors during this challenging year, the Economic Development Commission would like to create a 'spectacle' and to light up Madison, it wrote.

"It is important that this spectacle be possible regardless of whether COVID-19 presents new restrictions on gatherings, events, etc," the EDC wrote in its RFP.

The lights display is supposed to "create an uplifting experience that can be enjoyed while practicing social distancing or from a vehicle."

Economic Development Commission chair Ryan Duques told Patch the idea came from John Mathers from the Madison Beach Hotel.

From the meeting minutes, it's clear the goal was to not only "help brighten the spirit of residents, and visitors" but to promote Madison business, especially during the holiday shopping season.

"The concept is to use the RFP process to solicit proposals to enhance Madison’s commercial district through lights and decorations during this holiday and winter season," it was noted.

The EDC would "assist with funding for the project, initiate and facilitate an RFP process, develop relationships with other non-profits like the Chamber of Commerce to facilitate programming ..."

Click here to learn more about the Light Up Madison project.

Click here for the RFP.

Update:

The EDC extended the deadline to receive quotes for the Light up Madison project. Responses are now due on Thursday, October 8 at 2pm (send to

The EDC received a few questions about our goals, so I wanted to provide answers.

1. Question: Must we light/decorate the entire area between Route 79 to and up Wall Street?
Answer: No. We understand that our resources are limited, so we are looking for ideas that create as much impact as possible within that area. Possible ideas could include a major presence near the intersections, several displays throughout the area, etc.

2. Question: What ideas are you considering?
Answer: The EDC is hoping to hear some creative ideas through the responses, however, some ideas we've thought of include lighting the outline of the major buildings in the area, lighting existing trees and poles, lighting objects that are brought into the display (i.e. outlines of boats, anchors, trees, etc).

3. Question: The budget seems low, will there be an opportunity to expand on this with additional funding?
Answer: YES! Already we have received commitments from private companies of thousands of dollars. Please have your quote list a base with $7,000 THEN please list add-on options with prices so that we can select the additional elements, which will be paid for out of private funds.

4. Question: Will there be an opportunity to discuss this project with someone from the Town?
Answer: Yes, Town of Madison Director of Economic Development David Anderson and myself will meet with those interested at 10:45 am on Tuesday, October 6 in front of the Madison Post Office to walk through the area and answer any additional questions.

Please find additional information and how to bid at https://madisonct.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=427