Gimli businesses are preparing to dole out the discounts for the town’s Moonlight Madness event in a week’s time.
The Moonlight Madness Committee and the RM of Gimli are teaming up to host the annual event that brings visitors from across the Interlake and beyond to shop at the town’s eclectic mix of shops and boutiques and enjoy some Christmas-themed festivities.
“Since the pandemic, we’re seeing an increase in the number of businesses participating in Moonlight Madness and we’re attracting lots of visitors to Gimli year over year,” said the Gimli Chamber of Commerce’s Destination Brand committee chair Cheryl Buhler. “We’re building on that success this year. Our dream is to see all Gimli businesses participating and continuing to make Gimli a Christmas destination of choice.”
Moonlight Madness is the equivalent of Black Friday, and the Gimli event stems back to the 1980s and 1990s when it was called Midnight Madness.
Gimli stores will be staying open until 10 p.m. on Nov. 24 and offering specials and discounts on products. The event entices people to shop locally and support the community’s economy. Organizations such as the New Iceland Heritage Museum also take part in the holiday promotion event.
There will be a wide range of products on offer, from housewares and handmade crafts to clothing and food, as well as fun-filled activities to take part in.
Among the businesses and organisations participating this year are HP Tergesen & Sons general store (20 per cent off selected items), Johnson’s Fashion and Footwear (specials every hour on the hour), the New Iceland Heritage Museum gift shop, Christmas Market and Christmas tree auction (free hot chocolate and cookies), the Hula Hut, Hidden Treasures Studio (decorate your own Christmas ornaments), Interlake Handmade Boutique, Sigvaldason Fine Art (15 per cent off Artwork in the Gallery), The Powder Princess, Sugar Me Cookie bakery, Robin’s Donuts, Interlake Brewing, The Pier (hot and cold drink specials), and the Ship & Plough pub’s Christmas Karoke (drink specials 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.).
Santa will be popping by to help the municipality light its Christmas tree at the harbour.
“The Gimli Elves are also working on bringing something magical to town for Moonlight Madness,” said Buhler, who was sworn to secrecy. “And we’ll be having light-decorating contests for residential homes and businesses.”
Moonlight Madness takes place on Friday, Nov. 24. For more information, visit the Explore Gimli website at https://explore-gimli.com/moonlightmadness
