Sunday is Ride the Drive, road closures on the isthmus

Sunday August 29, is the Ride the Drive event. It is from 10am to 4pm, with a special guest appearance by Lance Armstrong at 10:30 on the square to kick off the ride.

There will be food, music and games all along the route.

MAP of the route

WEBSITE for Ride the Drive

How to apply for residential parking permit - City Madison

The 2010-2011 permits are available to purchase in person beginning August 16, 2010.
You must bring the following with you when you apply for a parking permit:
* Your vehicle registration form. If this is not possible, we may be able to access this information if you know your license plate number, but delays are likely or we may not be able to process your application.
* Your valid driver’s license.
* Proof of where you are living. A lease signed by you and the owner/rental agent is required as proof of residence. In lieu of a current lease, a notarized Property Owner Affidavit (PDF) may be used.
Permits can be obtained between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:15 pm, Monday through Friday from the Madison Parking Division located in room 100 of the Madison Municipal Building, 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Map (PDF) All permit applicants are required to complete a Residential Parking Permit Application (PDF) or a “Renewal Application/Affidavit” form, which will be mailed on request.

August move in/out: now is a good time to set up utilities

Your electric and gas service are provided by MG&E. As you can imagine, there are thousands of residents moving this month, and MG&E has start/stop service orders on them. Add to the mix, this year, August 14 and 15th fall on a Saturday and Sunday. To avoid moving into an apartment that does not have power, lights, etc., NOW is the best time to contact MG&E and set up a service request.

Saturday: Paddle and Portage race

Madison has to be the only city with an event like this. If Maxwell Street days is too much for you, maybe try or watch the 31st annual Paddle and Portage race. On Saturday, July 17th, 2010, hundreds of participants from across the country will descend on the Madison isthmus for the 31st annual Paddle & Portage canoe race. The race begins at 10am at James Madison Park with a 1.5 mile paddle on Lake Mendota, followed by a 1 mile portage over the central isthmus, and a final 1.5 mile paddle across Lake Monona to finish at Olin-Turville Park.

Maxwell Street days this weekend

Get ready for shopping and more shopping.
This weekend is the annual Maxwell Street days on the State Street concourse. Many stores have great sales, there is music, food and drink.
For schedule, events and history: LINK

Fresh Madison Market - another downtown grocery option

Downtown Madison residents have another option for their grocery needs; Fresh Madison Market has opened at the corner of Lake and University. It is downtown Madison’s third option for grocery needs - joining Trader Joe’s and Cap Center Foods. Fresh Madison Market offers free underground parking with a $25 purchase, online shopping, coupons, menu’s and more more. Check out their web site.

Madison Marathon - May 30th, route map

This Sunday, May 30th, the Madison Marathon will be held in the downtown Madison area. HERE is a course map so you can cheer on your friends or plan for traffic detours.  Race starts at 7am, expect lane closures earlier.  Weather looks promising, get out and cheer or volunteer!

Madison trying new bike lane markers

The City of Madison will be installing 10-20 red lane markers at various intersections in an attempt to improve bike safety and awareness.
The cost is about $8000 per marker, although the initial makers are being subsidized by the manufacturer with the city paying about $3000 per marker.
full ARTICLE

Congratulations to all Graduates!

Enjoy the graduation ceremonies, you earned it!

Well Done.

Madison has 9th strongest economy

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In addition to our beautiful and friendly city, we also have a great economic base. Thanks largely to the stability provided by the University and the State government.