Shopping local, it is something everyone should try and make an effort to do. But, when Sparwood's Moonlight Madness Craft and Vendor sale coincide with Black Friday, mall merchants participate very little and Santa has not yet been located, Moonlight Madness has left some people wondering, what happened.
Years ago, Moonlight Madness was known as Midnight Madness and caused a stir of excitement within the community. Stores stayed open late, the mall was filled with crafter tables and vendors sold everything imaginable while Christmas songs and Santa's bells were heard in the background. Crowds filled the mall and Sparwood residents gathered in happiness and Christmas spirit.
Those attending this year's moonlight madness reminisced about the good old days and asked what can be done to make this occasion as fun and well attended as it has been. "The limited number of mall merchants and those don't want to take part and promote the event like they used to are where it begins," says Rose Sharma, Sparwood Arts Council. "The local vendors feel unsupported by the community and you can't bring people into the mall, if mall merchants do not want to contribute," she says. Sharma reminds the community that Moonlight Madness is open to any group, organization or individual. "If people want to set up a table to sell hot chocolate, popcorn, hotdogs or anything really, they are welcome to, and it is with the involvement of people that Moonlight Madness can become a popular event like it used to be," she says.
Local crafters and vendors are asking for community support as they will continue to have tables set up in the Greenwood Mall from December 12th - 16th from 10 - 4 p.m.