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Midnight madness changes to Saturday

Historically Vanderhoof's Midnight Madness shopping event would take place on the first Friday in December, not anymore.

Winter festivities will be a little different this year in Vanderhoof.

Midnight Madness and the Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 but will run as usual. The parade will be at 7:00 p.m and participating stores will have sales throughout the day and night. The vision is to create a whole weekend of events, said Kimberli Unger, board member of the Chamber of Commerce.

“We wanted to make the weekend not just a mad crazy shopping event with a big parade,” said Ms. Unger. “A component will be the Midnight Madness shopping and Parade of Lights, but we want to expand it to be a whole winter wonderland festival.”

By having the parade and shopping night on the Saturday, it will leave the rest of the weekend open for other community events. Families with parents working shift work will be able to come watch the parade and people from surrounding areas might be more inclined to stay in Vanderhoof, said Ms. Unger.

“This way instead of people taking off to Prince George on Saturday, we can have people stay in our community all weekend,” she said.

The DOV has agreed to shut down Burrard Street on the Saturday from the Grand Reo Theatre to the Department Store. This section will be open to vendors and because there will be no traffic, it will be a nicer atmosphere, said Ms. Unger.

“We can have elves giving out candy canes and hot chocolate with the scent of cinnamon. Vendors of all kind are welcome to set up but are reminded space is limited this year,” said Ms. Unger.

So far, volunteers have come forward to run a snowman building contest and Christmas tree decorating contest.

CIBC has also sponsored a window decorating contest for all the downtown store fronts encouraging lights and sparkles.

Vendors or anyone with ideas to add to the schedule of events can contact Kimberli Unger at tekadivas@hotmail.com.

“It’s a great way to raise funds for charity or just be part of the community. I don’t have a magic wand but this will definitely grow with volunteers,” said Ms. Unger.

A poster will soon be available on the Chamber of Commerce website and residents are encouraged to watch for the Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival Facebook page.