New Madison will enjoy a brighter and more festive holiday season for generations to come, thanks to the generosity of Eric and Kristin Fee, owners of Tribute Funeral Homes. The Fees have donated a permanent New Madison Community Christmas Tree, a gift intended to symbolize unity, hope, and continued support for the families and residents of the village.
The project was made possible through the partnership of several dedicated community supporters, including George Clifton, Dave and Pam Furlong, Fitzwater Tree & Lawn Care, the New Madison Fourth of July Committee, Farmers State Bank, and Darke Rural Electric. Their contributions helped bring the vision of a lasting community centerpiece to life.
In addition to these partners, a heartfelt thank-you was extended to the hardworking members of the New Madison Fourth of July Committee — including the Fiste family, the Gowdown family, Kat McNew, Howie Schaefer, Mallorie Dill, Jeff Cline, and Jessica Oswalt. This dedicated group, along with many behind-the-scenes volunteers, invested countless hours to help make this special weekend possible. Their passion and commitment continue to uplift the village year after year.
The permanent Christmas tree stands as part of Tribute Funeral Homes’ ongoing commitment to New Madison and the families they are honored to serve. It will serve as a year-round reminder of community pride and togetherness.
Residents and visitors are invited to gather for Christmas in the Village on Saturday, December 6th in downtown New Madison. Festivities will include local shopping, food vendors, free hot chocolate and cookies, Santa, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The official tree lighting will take place at 6:00 PM, marking a joyful kickoff to the holiday season. A full schedule of events can be found on the New Madison Fourth of July Facebook page.
Organizers noted one important update for the evening: due to the current equine flu, horse and carriage rides will not be offered this year. Even so, community leaders promise a warm and festive celebration filled with holiday magic.
With the addition of this permanent Christmas tree, New Madison begins a new chapter in its holiday tradition — one that will continue to grow, shine, and bring families together for years to come.
