Moonlight Madness happens Friday from 4:30-8 p.m. with an evening of deep discounts in stores, delicious specials from local restaurants, and a whole lot of prizes for customers.
The popular Chemainus Business Improvement Association event is once again emerging just in time for holiday shopping, and there is a lot to get excited about, including the fact Chemainus Road construction will be suspended during the event hours, allowing cars to pass freely and easy access for attendance.
The CBIA has decided to change things a bit for the fourth year of the event, moving it into November and adjusting the main driving force.
“It’s truly an evening to be out with your friends and neighbours, enjoying the local food and shopping, plus we have some pretty great prizes and new ways to win,” noted Krystal Adams, who has just returned as executive director of the CBIA.
“Retailers are offering deep discounts on store-wide goods and the restaurants are really bringing some great specials to the table this year.”
Owl’s Nest Bakery Bistro and Willow Street Cafe have planned specials for dinner along with hot drinks and a warm place to sit, while others are going above and beyond to craft special meals - like Maple Lane Cafe’s East Indian buffet.
Retailers are embracing the event with open arms like Cinder and Sea, officially opening its doors for a first glance, and community groups are on board as well. Members of the Chemainus United Church will be singing Christmas carols on the street while hosting their own gift basket draw in the church.
People can collect stamps for the CBIA’s Holiday Passport that’s back and running until December 20.
Once cards are full, there’s a chance to win a $250 gift card.
And, if that wasn’t enough, businesses are thanking their consumers in big ways.
“During the event, businesses will have scratch and win cards given for every purchase over $25, which means if you spend $50 you get two cards and so on,” pointed out Adams. “So not only do you get your Chemainus passport stamped but you also receive a scratch card and a chance to win one of 55 prizes.”
Businesses have generously donated prizes which feature items like Chemainus Theatre tickets; more than two dozen gift certificates, including Beyond The Usual, Bound To Be Different, Thai Pinto, Magpies, and Owl’s Nest; classes from Misfits; professional cut from The Wildwood Collective; art from Cinder and Sea; and many others.
Local shopping is very important to the CBIA and making sure residents understand how much these stores have to offer and how important it is to show support, especially during the holiday season.
“Many people think when we tout shopping local, we are asking people to do all of their shopping in town without exception, but we know it’s not practical,” Adams indicated. “Just buying one cup of coffee, one loaf of bread, one t-shirt, or even a greeting card will help to keep merchants in town and put money back in the community.”
Statistics show shopping locally typically sees a larger percentage of each dollar stay within the community, helping to keep merchants and the community alive.
“We simply ask you to come down for Moonlight Madness, enjoy yourself and try Chemainus businesses first for your holiday shopping needs,” added Adams.