MADISON — Get ready to “Paw-ty” down in downtown Madison .

Main Street Madison recently kicked-off an election campaign for the city’s first-ever “Pup Mayor” and on Thursday there is a “pup rally” for the whole community. 

A “Mid-Term Paw-ty” is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. along Main Street where all the canine candidates for Madison’s Pup Mayor will be out and ready to meet their supporters.

“We hope this will be a fun annual event for the community to celebrate our beloved pets and our beautiful downtown,” said Main Street Madison Executive Director Jen DeLessio.

Fourteen dogs are competing in a “pup-ular” vote for the honorary title.  

The rally will include a parade of the candidates, food trucks, family fun, vendors and extended shopping at downtown businesses.

Voting for the Pup Mayor is taking place through October with weekly updates on Main Street Madison’s social media platforms and online at www.madisonstreetmadison.org. Each vote costs $1 and there is no limit to the number of votes. 

Votes can also be cast downtown, just look for QR codes to easily cast votes using a smartphone.

Pup owners are also encouraged to hold individual rallies to solicit votes.

On Nov. 13, there will be a special election and inauguration night “Paw-ty” with a pet parade and food trucks. It will be at Homeplace Park from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The victorious Pup Mayor will be sworn in.

The Pup Mayor will have important duties throughout the year like appearances at Main Street Madison events, ribbon cuttings and meet-and-greets. 

For more information about thie campaign and Main Street Madison, visit www.mainstreetmadison.org.