StettlerLocal.com November 25, 2023 at 8:05 am
"It's my favourite day of the year," said Skylar Muyres.
Muyres was one of several employees working the busy Moonlight Madness shift at Stettler's Home & Hobby on November 24.
"It's always a busy night," said Muyres.
That seemed to be the case with all businesses open during Moonlight Madness, one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
Holiday shopping is part of the annual Moonlight Madness tradition that includes photos with Santa, a balloon drop, and the main street Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
This year's tree was donated by Roxann and Mark Anderson, and it was placed in the intersection of 50th Street and 49th Avenue by Heartland Industries.
The tree lighting ceremony included a public sing-along of "Here Comes Santa Claus" to usher Santa and his sleigh into the ceremony. The song was led by Wendy Staal, one of Stettler's Citizens of the Year, who, along with Santa himself, threw the "switch" to light the tree.
There was a minor hiccup when the tree lights didn't immediately turn on.
"Uh oh. Malfunction at the junction," joked Stettler Mayor Sean Nolls, just before the lights came on and flooded the tree with colour.
Many at the crowded ceremony commented on the height and beauty of the tree, along with the precision of the lights.
"They always do a nice job," said one woman. "I love this time of year."
Kevin Sabo, who was covering the festivities for The Stettler Independent, said Moonlight Madness is a "neat event."
"It's good to see the community spirit," he said.
Local resident Christine Morris agrees. "I've been here 21 years, and I try to come every year," she said.
Morris was guiding a first-time participant at the balloon drop. "Get rid of your purse and your bags," she advised, "because it gets rowdy in here!"
Moonlight Madness is Stettler's welcome to the holiday season, and is enjoyed by by Stettler residents and those in surrounding communities.
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