Last week came the snow and the cold to remind us that Christmas is fast approaching, and this Friday comes another, much more pleasant reminder of the upcoming holiday season: Athabasca’s Moonlight Madness.
Sponsored and organized by the Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce, Moonlight Madness has been the unofficial kickoff to the Christmas season in Athabasca for more than 20 years, encouraging area residents to stay local when it comes to holiday gift-buying.
But Moonlight Madness is much more than just a reason to go shopping. It brings the community together with events and excitement for all ages.
The Moonlight Madness parade will lead Santa Claus into town for the evening’s festivities. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and follows its usual route, south from the riverfront on 49 St. then west on 49 Ave., then back to the Town Common headed north on 50 St.
From there, Santa’s real work begins. First, he turns on the Christmas light display on the Town Common, which triggers the start of the renowned fireworks display over the Athabasca River.
Once all the ooh’s and aah’s from the fireworks display have subsided, Santa will make his way up 49 St. to Servus Credit Union, where he’ll pose for free photos, sponsored by Buy-Low Foods, and hear Christmas wishes until 9 p.m.
With a little luck, you might get all your Christmas wishes for free; either from Santa, or by participating in this year’s Moonlight Madness contest.
All you have to do is shop the participating Moonlight Madness merchants and fill out your wish lists, found on page 10C of the Moonlight Madness flyer inside this week’s Athabasca Advocate. List up to 10 items with their price and where you found them, and enter your lists in the draw boxes, located at Cheap Seats Sporting Goods, before 11 p.m. Three lists drawn at random will win up to $200, $300 or $500 worth of merchandise.
In addition to the Moonlight Madness contest, participating businesses are offering a variety of discounts, specials, giveaways, contests and games. It all helps to demonstrate that shopping locally can be fun, and more affordable than trekking to the city. What’s more, by shopping locally, you’re supporting your home community.
Full details on Moonlight Madness are available inside the Moonlight Madness flyer, found inside this week’s Advocate or at participating businesses.
