Pearl Lorentzen

Lakeside Leader

Moonlight Madness is a tradition in Slave Lake. It combines late night Christmas shopping, with a Santa Claus parade, Christmas market, caroling, etc. It is Friday, November 17 and 18, mostly downtown Slave Lake on Main St. The theme is ‘vintage Christmas.’
November 16
One of the showpieces of the event is the annual gingerbread house competition. People have until November 16 at 5 p.m. to drop off their houses at the Fix Coffee Bar and Bakery on Main St. Slave Lake. Judging happens that evening, with the winner announced that night.
There are three categories: group, individual, and kids. All elements must be edible except lighting.
The gingerbread houses will be on display from November 17 to 27.
November 17
The fun starts at 2 p.m. with a free matinee of Elf at Rex Theatre on Nov. 17. This is repeated at the same time on November 18.
The focus is downtown on Main Street. From 5 to 8:30 p.m., there are three spots for socializing – Moonlight Madness Parade bonfire in Citizen’s Park, Hot Chocolate in the Barn in Rennie Hall Plaza, and food and art in the old Tru Value next to Rexall.
Citizen’s Park has fires to warm up, free hot dogs and fixings, family friendly fun, and a Travelling Timbers mobile cabin open house.
The Lesser Slave Lake Regional Arts Council has an open house in the Old Tru Value. This includes an art show, caroling with Susanne Campbell playing the piano, an old fashioned bake sale, and hot chocolate and hot apple cider for sale. 
Also, check out the Candy Cart on Main St., which is a fundraiser for Slave Lake Soccer.
The Moonlight Madness Market is within walking distance of downtown in the Multi Rec Centre fieldhouse. It runs on November 17 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free.
The highlight of the evening is the Santa Claus Parade, which starts at 6 p.m. sharp at the Northern Star Hotel. It goes north on Main St, ending on 6 Ave. NE in front of CJ Schurter School

After the parade on November 17 around 7:30 p.m., Santa Claus will be in Rennie Hall Plaza for people to take pictures of him with their kids. 
Adults have the option of two times to watch a comedy show. Moonlight Madness Comedy Coffee and Beer is at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at The Fix on Main St. This also includes beer from Dog Island Brewing. Tickets are $41.80 at www.standupguys.ca.
November 18
On Nov. 18, the Moonlight Madness market continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the MRC. At 2 p.m., Rex Theatre has a second free matinee of Elf. From 1 to 5 p.m., people can stop by the old Tru Value to paint ornaments for people who lost their homes in wildfires in the Okanagan and the Shuswap. This free event isn’t specifically for Moonlight Madness, but has a Christmas theme. It is put on by the arts council. For details, contact slregionalartscouncil@gmail.com.