The Darkside. Yep! It’s gettin’ right chilly  . . . in a menacin’ sort of way.  People start to act dang strange when it comes to money . . . when it comes to winnin’. They fight! Lie! Cheat! Steal!  You know I’m speakin’ the Gospel truth! But I ain’t never thought it’d come to this – to the Darkside! People! I’m talkin’ ‘bout this upcomin’ Madison Chili Cook-Off slated for Saturday, Oct. 3 at Town Park! I talkin’ teams are actin' all sly, tryin’ to steal recipes! They’re tryin’ to find the winnin’ formula! But one team has even resorted to flat out . . . dare I say it . . . BRIBERY! See this one team’s kinda scared of the 2008 Chili Cook Off Champions – Hot Off The Presses! That’d be ‘cause our chili rocks like Elvis in the Jailhouse! So anyway, this one team made an offer they thought we couldn’t refuse: “Don’t compete and we’ll advertise in the Citizen for six months.” Well I got me some news for you Hot Shot! Hot Off The Presses ain’t for sale! We’re gonna be there early on Oct. 3! We’re gonna be decked out! And, (cue up the soundtrack to The Good. The Bad. The Ugly.) We’re gonna cook you right outta Town – Town Park that is! Yeeehaw! Get your Team on y’all! Call Madison Main Street Director Ann Huff at the city at 706-342-1251 or go online at www.madisonga.com and click on Calendar to register your team. Whadda you waitin’ for?  You scared? Think you can cook some Chili? Prove it!

    Fall Trainin’. After all that Chili cookin’ and tastin’ we’ve gotta get ready for some major mojo movin’! I’m talkin’ ‘bout the first ever Madison Triathlon sponsored by the Madison Fitness Center located at 1290 Eatonton Road in Madison! Ok so here’s the deal: You start out with a 400 yard swim at the Madison Aquatic Center; pop on your bike for a 15 mile ride; and end on a 5K run! Ain’t nothin’ to it! Greg Stewart, owner of Madison Fitness Center says y’all need to sign up for this fab event that takes place on Saturday, Oct. 18! It’s $55 to sign up and the proceeds benefit Young Life! Ok and if you need a place to train, honey Greg has got it covered! Not only do we have the Madison Fitness Center, but Greg also just opened Madison Ladies Fitness at 1512 Eatonton Road in Madison, where Curves used to be! He’s expanded the space and added cardio and weight training equipment!  But, that’s not all! He’s moved his Youth Champions Fitness right next door to Madison Ladies Fitness! Talk ‘bout a fitness Trifecta! Yeah! This Youth Champions has it all y’all! Honey! They even have a big screen TV and Wii fitness plus Dance Dance Revolution! Get over there and check it all out! And, don’t forget to sign up for the Triathlon at Madison Fitness!
    Fall Finds! Antiques on the Square owner Theresa Bishop has really freshened up her fab shop located at 115 South Main Street in Madison!
    They’ve done painted the outside and added more display space. But, the real star are the fantastic antiques and treasures you will find when you walk inside! First up is this super fantastic table transformed from a cart made by the famous King Plow Warehouse in Atlanta! Honey it’s just beautiful! Oh and the best part ‘bout Antiques on the Square is that there’s something for every wallet . . from antique platters datin’ back to the 1790s for $700 to beautiful Majolica plates for $23! I flat love ‘em! They come in fern green and cranberry red and are the perf gift for any table. What I love is that they evoke old charm, but they’re really new! Oh and Theresa has lots of Persian rugs, paintings, beautiful antiques and some fabulous lamps like these great ones I found made from old bottles! They are oh so cool! Hey y’all head over and get lost in this shop! Theresa is bringin’ in new items everyday and she’s expectin’ a shipment from England any day! Check it out!
    Go West Young Man! Check out Artisan’s Alley located at 199 West Jefferson St., across from Town Park in Madison! Owner Gordon Clark just got back from a buyin’ trip in the Southwest! I’m talkin’ new rings, earrings, pottery, oh and a beautiful necklace made by Emma Lincoln of Gallup, New Mexico! Beautiful turquoise!
    Momma! Put that peace pipe down! I just love the sun catchers too! Why they even have cool Indian drums! Y’all get over there and check it all out and their big September Stimulus Sale! Wow!
    What the? It’s out y’all! I’m thinkin’ Pablo Cruise with their big 70s hair and fab style! Sing it y’all! Everyday invites you to find your place in the Sun! It’s time to find your place in the Sun. Find your place . . . find your place . . . in the Sun. It’s time to find your place in the Sun!