2011 Moonlight Madness event a huge success

Lieve Parisis, Co-op GM Bruce Buckingham, MD Reeve Rod Zielinski, 
and Constance Colley at the Grand Opening of the Wind Fun store
C. Davis photo

Chris Davis/Toni Lucas

Pincher Creek and District Chamber of Commerce Administrator Lieve Parisis deserves a heartfelt round of applause for organizing an incredibly successful Moonlight Madness event this year.  The Christmas Craft Market at the Ranchland mall was packed with Christmas-minded shoppers and vendors.  The Chamber held their official ribbon-cutting opening of the Wind Fun & More Eco-Friendly Gifts store in the mall, with MD Reeve Rod Zielinski performing the honours.

The crowd at Cenotaph Park watches the Parade of Lights
C. Davis photo

Alexandra Morgan
singing "Hallelujah"

Despite Friday being the coldest day of winter so far, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at Cenotaph Park on Main Street to listen to the music of Alexandra Morgan (who performed an amazing version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah") and cool carollers Friends In Sync, while waiting for the Parade of Lights to pass by.  Tim Hortons' hot chocolate and a fire help fight off the chill.  Kids played in the park, enjoying the fresh snow and the chance to cavort.  Santa Claus made an appearance before heading off to Aaron Whitfield Photography to pose with local children.  The Parade of Lights was bigger and better than ever, and was greeted with much enthusiasm by the crowd in front of Cenotaph Park and those parked along the length of Main Street.

Update: Best Floats

• 1st: Crestview Lodge
• 2nd: Pincher Creek Health Center
• 3rd: Mrs. P’s Coffee Corner

Mayor Ernie Olsen hitches a ride with Hal Murdock of
Pincher Creek Ford in the Parade of  Lights

Friends In Sync performed carols at Cenotaph Park and at stores along Main Street

After the parade Friends In Sync brought their carolling magic to many of the open stores on Main Street.  Robin and Company wrapped gifts.  Parent Link provided free face-painting.  Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village held a craft market.

Live music at C & D Floral

The Co-op Grocery feather drop was a big hit, with people stopping by throughout the event to try their luck.  Many merchants stayed open late so people could shop for bargains.  C & D Floral in the Ranchland Mall held their own carolling session, with guitar, violin, piano, and vocalists.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 at the Ranchland Mall Craft Market

Saturday, November 19 

Wildrose Video and Books handed out free popcorn on Saturday. The Town of Pincher Creek and the Downtown Merchants Association offered a free swim at the pool.

Part of the young crowd lining up for a free showing of "The Smurfs" at the Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre was a busy place on Saturday at noon.  Excited families showed up for the chance to watch "The Smurfs" for free, an event that sold out all 135 seats.  A private birthday party was in full swing in the other theatre. "We do book for private parties, and we have different service options," said Fox Theatre Manager Kim Jorgenson.

...and the winner is...
Kim Jorgenson and Joyce Smith perform the Moonlight Madness on Main prize draw

The winner of the "Moonlight Madness on Main" Prize Package was drawn at the Fox.  This prize package was for gift certificates from local merchants adding up to a grand total of $660.  Jorgenson and Joyce Smith of Wildrose Video performed the draw, and pulled the winning ticket from Santa's Sack.  Paul Weigel, of Edson Alberta works in the Pincher Creek area, and was informed of his win later in the day.  Smith was happy with the draw, and the felt that the participation in the parade and Moonlight Madness went well.  "We had a lot of entries," said Smith.

Zach Nazarek manning the door at the Fox Theatre

Jorgenson took over management of the Fox on October 28 of this year. The past three weeks have been a whirlwind for her and her staff.  "I couldn't do it without the support of my family.  All of my kids are involved, and my husband helps out doing maintenance," she said. She added that she has had great support from the Becker family, who owns the theatre, and from her staff.  "I have gotten to meet a member of the original Fox family that the theatre is named after."  The Fox family has plans with Jorgenson to come and share the history of the theatre with the new management.

Special Mention

Wendy Ryan and the Downtown Merchants Association were busy on Monday, November 14, putting up Christmas lights and beautifying Main Street before the event.