Madison Summer Details: Historic Celebrations, Community Initiatives, and Your Voting Guide

Welcome to June, Madison! Summer is kicking into high gear, and our community is buzzing with events, safety initiatives, and important civic milestones. Here are the full details on what’s happening around town this month:

🎆 Celebrate Independence Day & Madison’s Bicentennial

4th of July Parade announcement to march with Madison Democrats. Meeting at 9 AM at Citizen's Bank near Stop and Shop. Parade starts at 10 AM.

This July 4th is historic. We are celebrating Madison’s 200th anniversary alongside America’s 250th Semiquincentennial!

Independence Day Parade: March proudly with the MDTC! We will gather at 9:00 AM on July 4th at Citizen's Bank. We will supply the signs, swag, and fun. All you need to do is show up. Please RSVP here to help us track our headcount.
Statewide Bell Tolling: At 2:00 PM on July 4th, churches, historic sites, and residents across all 169 Connecticut municipalities are invited to toll bells 13 times to join a synchronized national moment of celebration.
Madison Fireworks: Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 2nd at approximately 9:30 PM (Rain date: July 10).

🗳️ FaithActs Gubernatorial Candidate Forum

Get informed on the issues shaping Connecticut's future. FaithActs is hosting a Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, featuring Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Ryan Fazio (R-36), and Representative Josh Elliott (D-88).

This is an excellent opportunity for Madison voters to hear directly from state leadership and ask questions.

When: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | Doors open at 5:00 PM | Event runs 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Cathedral of Faith, 2319 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Cost: Free to attend, but an RSVP is strictly required.

Secure your spot and submit your questions ahead of time by registering at tinyurl.com/faithactsforum26.

🍦 "Scoops and Safety" Initiative & E-Bike Guidelines

Scoops and Safety program flyer showing a Madison police officer giving a thumbs up to a child on a bicycle wearing a helmet. Features a five dollar Ashley's Ice Cream reward details.

The Madison Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Madison Police Department have launched a wonderful summer safety rewards program called "Scoops and Safety."

Madison police officers will be handing out Ashley’s Ice Cream gift cards to cyclists and pedestrians observed demonstrating safe behaviors and following traffic laws.

As a reminder, town officials want to highlight a few critical safety regulations under Connecticut law:

Helmets: Required for all riders operating e-bikes or e-scooters, regardless of age. Riders under 18 operating manual bicycles or scooters must also wear a helmet.
No Sidewalks: Bicycles, scooters, e-bikes, and e-scooters are prohibited on sidewalks, multi-use trails, and bike paths.
E-Bike Classifications: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes (pedal-assist only, max speed 28 mph) cannot be operated by anyone under 16.
Wattage Laws: Devices over 750 watts require a driver's license. Devices with 3,700 watts or more are classified as motorcycles and require full registration and insurance. Parents are advised to verify online purchases to ensure high-powered e-bikes don't accidentally cross into motorcycle classifications. Read the full release on Patch.com.

🏃‍♂️ Inaugural Twilight Two Miler Running Series

Bauer Park Twilight Series flyer. Every Wednesday, July 1st to August 5th, 2026 at 7:00 PM. A 2-mile course on grass for a fun run and race. — Bauer Park Twilight Series flyer. Starting tonight, Wednesday, July 1st to August 5th, 2026 at 7:00 PM. A 2-mile course on grass for a fun run and race.

Looking to stay active? Head down to Bauer Park on Wednesday evenings from Wednesday, July 1st through Wednesday, August 5th for the inaugural Twilight Two Miler Running Series. Enjoy a scenic, fully off-road closed course through the historic property. Official finish times will be recorded at each meeting. Advanced registration is required, and runners can sign up for single sessions or the full 6-week block. Remember to bring your own water!

🗳️ MDTC Meeting & Primary Voting Rules

Our next monthly MDTC Meeting is Monday, July 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Town Hall (8 Campus Dr). We hope to see you there for live updates and community discussion.

August 11, 2026 Primary Reminders: Only registered members of the Democratic party may vote in the upcoming Democratic primary. Connecticut now features expanded, flexible voting options:

Vote Early In-Person
Vote on Election Day
No-Excuse Vote by Mail / Absentee: Every CT voter can vote by mail! If you have travel plans or prefer the convenience, request your ballot today at MadisonCT.org Absentee Info before the July 24 deadline. Once received, return it via mail or use a secure local ballot drop box.

For comprehensive voter registration checks, deadlines, and location schedules, visit MadisonCTDems.org/election-info.