By Judy Goodman, Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce
This year marks the 33rd season of welcoming the holidays with a night of ballistic shopping! This tradition, founded in 1981 by the then owner of Style Trend Clothiers, Mark McKee, and a group of downtown merchants, began as Midnight Madness. The shops closed in the afternoon to prepare for deep discounts and store specials. It is rumored that many of the owners and their sales team sported pajamas for the event! Moonlight madness is the same day as “Black Friday” in the US, but the date is the only similarity. This event is home grown with history in our community and is about a night out with your friends and family!
Throughout the years there have been many activities including music, movies and mayhem throughout downtown. This year’s event is designed to bring back the excitement of those early years. The Chamber of Commerce, Community Economic Development, Public Works and the Tourism Infrastructure Committee have partnered to bring a special glow to downtown for our winter season and plan to get “plugged in” on Friday afternoon to kick off the madness!
The Aquatic Centre team is gearing up for a great kid’s night again with Swim and a Movie from 6–9 p.m. All kids 5–12 years old must be pre-registered — call 250-837-9351 or drop by the Aquatic Centre, the cost is $15. Crime Stoppers entry box for an autographed Dan Hamhuis Canucks jersey will be at Pharmasave from 6–9 p.m. — entries are by donation, $5 minimum.
As part of Welcome Week you can attend a free Yoga session at Balu at 4:30 PM or check out Stoke FM’s cool new studio from 6–9 p.m. — send out a ‘shout’ on the air, learn how to create your own show, and find out about volunteering at our community radio station. Alpine Village shops are offering shoppers hot apple cider and cookies while others are keeping it simple like “The Big Guy” at Work’ n Play Clothing and just putting everything on sale for this event!
Moonlight Madness is a great tradition upheld by Revelstoke’s retail leaders, as noted below, who continue to work together with the Chamber of Commerce to make this promotion happen! These folks are planning great deals and staffing up so that shoppers can take full advantage of some serious retail therapy!
Check out the e-edition of this week's paper for all the advertised sales.