(file photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Moonlight Madness

Humboldt moonlight madness still a go, new health requirements to be followed

Nov 16, 2020 | 1:12 PM

The business community in Humboldt is kicking off the Christmas shopping season this Thursday.

All of the downtown retailers will be open late and offering specials as part of the community’s annual moonlight madness.

Executive Director of the Humboldt Chamber Brent Fitzpatrick is hopeful that people will still shop local even with masks now being mandatory in public indoor spaces in the city.

“If that is what it takes for us to get through this shopping season and to help the businesses survive then let’s put some masks on,” Fitzpatrick said. “It really doesn’t seem like that big of a thing to do.”

Fitzpatrick said moonlight madness typically sets the tone for the year ahead and this is the year that the tone will need to be set even better as local businesses have been struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The business community always looks forward to moonlight madness and connecting with customers and because it is the busier retail season.

“It’s been a real challenge for them with restrictions and shutdowns and the caution from folks about going out into public,” Fitzpatrick said. “The masks will help with that and help reduce transmission.”

The festival of lights at the historic campground will kick-off that evening among other activities including music being played in front of the museum by Graham Dyck.

The Museum and Art Gallery festival of wreaths will open Thursday evening as well with the Humboldt Coop supplying hot chocolate.

“It is really easy to sit on the couch and order things online but this year more than any other year is when you need to walk-in or go online and support those local businesses,” Fitzpatrick said.

The Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce, Humboldt Downtown Business Improvement District along with the Humboldt business community make the evening all possible. Moonlight madness runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Fitzpatrick had an underlying message for everyone heading into the holiday shopping season and beyond.

“By shopping local, you’re helping yourselves as well because there is the ability for those businesses to turn that money back into support for non-profits which they all do,” he said.

All businesses are prepared to meet the new public health requirements of mandatory masks as well as social distancing and having hand sanitizer ready and available for shoppers.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser