The Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce is getting set for Moonlight Madness on Nov. 25.
The annual event – which has been running for over 20 years – gives Athabascans a chance to save money, support local businesses, see fireworks and the meet Santa Claus.
“It’s pretty much the Chamber’s way of kicking off the shopping season, is with Moonlight Madness,” said chamber president Todd Dutchak.
The night starts at 6:30 p.m. with a Santa Claus parade downtown Athabasca, travelling up 49 Street across 49 Avenue and down 50 Street where it will return to the riverfront. Dutchak says he’s not sure how many floats will be in this year’s parade but expects between 30-40.
“It’s not as many people come out, like the summer parade,” he said. “And for obvious reasons, because it’s a little cold. Other than that, it’s always fun to watch.”
Dutchak said people can watch the Athabasca Christmas tree light up and enjoy the fireworks display at the riverfront shortly after the parade. He added that he’s hoping it will be as extravagant a it has been in the past.
“We’re going to be hitting up all of the local business for donations for the fireworks,” he said. “Our goal is to get the same level of fireworks we’ve had over the past few years … The fireworks (are) actually my favourite part, because we get to look at all of our hard work go up in smoke, literally, but in a good way.”
A minor change he noted was that pictures with Santa will not be held on the corner of the riverfront across from the building, but will instead be held inside Athabasca Home Hardware.
“We’ve been in the tent for the past couple years and we want to warm it up this year,” he said. “Santa says he wants to get warm.”
The Chamber will also hold a Christmas carol scavenger hunt again this year. The Chamber will hide Christmas song lyrics in various participating businesses. The one who collects the most song lyrics will win a cash prize.
