I have been in Madison long enough to have heard about this event once before. But, having heard and been invited this season, I knew it was time to check it out.
For those that don't know, it's an aerial acrobatics show performed suspended below a large old-growth tree in a local Madison park, Orton Park. It seems as though it's been going on for a number of years, and they have it down pat. The shows are free to attend, though the do pass around baskets to accept donations. It can't be a cheap show to produce each year, and frankly, I think it's easily worth a donation.
It's become popular for families to attend the "dress rehearsal" on Thursday evening at 7:30PM. Kids are usually able to stay up to see it. The other shows on Friday and Saturday begin at 8:30PM, which is great for the lit trees and other production elements, but not so good for little kids. I attended the former edition.
People know about this family-friendly dress rehearsal now, so you probably had to get there and place a blanket down around 5-5:30PM to get a prime spot. I wound up standing for the show near the periphery, but was able to see almost everything and grab some pics and video.
After you cordon off a spot, head over and get some eats, like ice cream from Chocolate Shoppe...
Before the sun goes down, the show starts and it starts right off the bat with some cool stuff.
As the sun goes down, the light come up and the show even seems to get a bit more daring and entertaining...
It was a pretty well-run event, very entertaining, a great night weather-wise, and it just felt right. I'd be back for the next two nights if I wasn't heading out of town for the weekend. I'd like to be back next year for sure.
