One of my favorite Madison and North Alabama events is the annual Parrots of the Caribbean Party hosted by the members of the Madison Rotary Club. Parrotheads and music lovers everywhere are invited to don their grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, and island wear to enjoy dancing, raffle baskets, and a fabulous island theme – all to be found right in downtown Madison on Saturday August 24, doors open at 6pm.
I have had the unique perspective of attending Parrots as a guest, a Rotarian and a past Planning Chair, so I have seen it from all angles and am proud of what a fun and unique event it has become. However, what I am most proud of is the support of the 650+ guests that truly make this event a huge success every year. Because of their support the Madison Rotary Club is able to better serve, make a bigger impact, and help more people in need, not only in this community but across the country and around the world.
Perfect Time for Fun
It is the pleasure of every Rotarian to see the members of the community – our neighbors, co-workers, friends, family – come together for one night of fun, food, drink, and dancing. I personally have made this an annual tradition, as have many of my friends – it is right after kids go back to school and just before SEC football begins, it’s perfect timing!
It is a great night where you get you let the problems and stresses of life slip away for a few hours while you escape into a little “island” paradise in downtown Madison. This can be a great date night, be it your first date, or the first one after sending the last kid to college. It can also be something besides the “same old thing” to do for a guys or girls night and – and no one has to worry about cleaning up or bringing food and drinks.
Never Know Who You’ll See
Parrots is also a chance to get to know some of our city officials (possibly the Mayor, City Council Members, Police, Fire and Rescue staff, etc.) and other members of your community in a relaxed and casual setting. You can also use Parrots as an opportunity to get to know some of the people we interact with every day, but don’t really know well. So invite your co-workers, your boss, your butcher, your therapist, your chiropractor and your kid’s soccer coach – then come out and have a great time!
Also, if you ever wanted to know more about what the Rotary club was all about, this is your chance to meet and talk with us. Just grab anyone in a Parrot’s t-shirt and ask us anything you like.
Stuff to Know
- Who should come: Open to the public, must be 21 to enter, no pets.
- What to bring: A lawn chair/blanket and friends who would love to hang out in our tropical “Parrot”-dise!
- What to Wear: Your favorite island apparel
- The Food: Soda, Water, beer, wine, and “Parrot”-ritas will be served at a cash bar and event themed food will be available for purchase. ATM and credit card machine will be available.
- The Music: The Zooks, a rock band with an island twist, will get the party started early in the evening followed by our featured musical guests Four on the Floor, playing an eclectic set everyone will love.
What do we do with the proceeds?
All proceeds from this event will benefit the Rotary Club of Madison’s year-round local and international projects such as local student vocational and leadership programs, local scholarships, Madison library, Boys and Girls Club of Triana, worldwide polio eradication, humanitarian projects in Honduras, and a variety of community spirit activities.
What to know more?
- Visit the Rotary Club of Madison’s website
- E-Mail the Rotary Club of Madison
- Visit the Parrots of the Caribbean Facebook Page
- Phone number: 256-564-2075
Event information: Parrots of the Caribbean Party
Date: Saturday, August 24th
Time: 6-11pm
Location: #58 Martin Street in Downtown Madison
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 the night of the event
Tickets: Purchase tickets online, from any Rotarian, or at the door
About the Author
Sandy Patel, Ph.D is a member of the Madison Rotary Club and a active community service member, supporting the Madison Street Festival, Bob Jones and James Clemens High School Interact Clubs as well as other local community service efforts. He has recently incorporated a new business, Patel Technologies, specializing in science, engineering, and business data analytics and data science services. He is married to Amy Patel, Theater Director at JCHS, and has 2 young sons and lives in Madison. He likes to sit with friends and discuss everything under the sun while enjoying a good beer at Stem and Stein, is a Netflix junkie, and can’t stand beets.
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
We are coming for The Parrot Celebration from Niceville, Florida where we are members of the Emerald Coast Parrothead Club. Look forward to meeting all of you!