Apr 11, 20223 min read

2022 GALA AND DESSERT AUCTION

Madison Main Street Announces 2022 Award Winners

2022 Award Recipients

On Wednesday, April 7, a vibrant crowd celebrated the downtown business district at the Historic Eagle Cotton Mill- Fairfield by Marriott. Madison Main Street’s (MMSP) seventh annual Gala & Dessert Auction featured an awards ceremony, followed by the popular auction of 20 desserts created by Madison residents and business owners, which is a fundraiser for the non-profit organization.

Mayor Bob Courtney spoke of the successes the City of Madison and the Madison area have accomplished after years of hard work and consistency, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Director of the Madison Main Street Program, Austin Sims, reviewed MMSP accomplishments over the past year as well. Key points included: gaining 15 new businesses to downtown Madison, managing the Madison Farmers Market and having a market manager for 1 full year, being the fiscal pass-thru for projects within the Ohio Theatre, and maintaining our status as a Nationally Accredited Main Street organization with National Main Street Center and Indiana Main Street.

Four awards were once again presented in recognition of special accomplishments: The Innovation Award— Goes to a business that has opened, expanded, or added new products or services during the past two years to meet market needs— 2022 award recipient was Wes Cox with Muddy Fork Antiques. Wes, the owner of Muddy Fork, opened his doors in 2016 and is open 7 days a week. Besides running the shop Wes conducts auctions, appraisals, and estate sales and is an avid supporter of downtown Madison and other local organizations.

The Business Excellence- Award is presented to a business that exemplifies excellent business practices. Deb Fine of Hertz Shoe Store & Cocoa Safari received this year’s award. Deb purchased the existing candy shop Cocoa Safari in 2005. In the years since she has built this business into a world-class destination that serves tourists, corporate business accounts, and countless residents. In 2014 Deb put on a new pair of “shoes” when she and her husband stepped in and purchased Madison’s only locally owned, independent shoe store Hertz Shoes. Hertz has expanded many new lines and still examples that excellent customer service, including a return policy that is better than the chocolate shop!

The Tribute Award - is presented to an individual or individuals who have gone “above and beyond” their regular job in service to Madison’s Main Street district. The recipient this year is Don Ward. Don is a loyal friend to downtown Madison; he was the editor and publisher for the local Roundabout newspaper. The first edition of the Roundabout was published in April 1999 and grew to serve 12 counties in Indiana and Kentucky. Don went above and beyond to ensure that the free monthly entertainment guide provided great stories, memorable photos, and a handy calendar of events that let us know what was happening. The Roundabout was more than a business. It kept us connected to the community.

The Legacy Award, to a business that has been in Downtown Madison for at least 25 years, was presented to Hinkles. Hinkle’s has been in business non-stop, at the same location, since 1933. Whether it’s one of their famous burgers, a milkshake, or a surprise birthday hat — you are guaranteed to have had a memorable experience. Not many businesses can claim the Legacy Award — having stood the test of time — but Hinkle’s is at the top of the list. Debbie Rice, Manager at Hinkle's, accepted the award.

Madison was one of the first three original Main Street pilot communities in the United States in 1977. Madison Main Street is designated by Indiana Main Street as a nationally accredited community in the Main Street America Program.

Thank you to the 20 cake and dessert artists who donated their time and talents to support the auction following the awards. Thank you to the 20 dessert auction winners!