Scenes in Maidstone Friday night were straight out of classic Christmas carols, as the community and the chamber of commerce held their annual Moonlight Madness and Santa Claus Night.
Shoppers rushed around with treasures, folks met on the streets, the lights on the community tree were lit, all ages enjoyed moonlit rides on a horse drawn wagon and children weren't disappointed in their wait for Santa.
The community tree is set up in front of the arena this year and a crowd gathered as it was lit for another season. The Legion Hall filled with people waiting to hear who would be rewarded for entering their name in the tins and shopping at local businesses.
Cheryl Jamieson of the Maidstone Chamber of Commerce drew the winning name and Lois Ponto had the opportunity to pluck gift certificates from local businesses from the tree. She smiled as she grabbed the loot gathering up $258 in her hands to spend on her Christmas list.
Santa arrived shortly after and visited with an impressively long line up of children, who shared their wishes and huge smiles.
The Maidstone High School SADD chapter sold hot chocolate and vendors lined the Legion Hall, selling baking, handiwork and home-based business items.
The bowling club opened their doors for fun bowling and gave away turkeys in their annual turkey shoot.
The Grade 12 class offered a couple of hours of free babysitting for the shoppers and the school community council sponsored rides on the two-horse open wagons, which wound their way through the streets as the riders sang carols.
The Maidstone EMTs sold Christmas trees on Main Street and hot dogs, pie and turkey soup were enjoyed in the C.E. Wing of the United Church, where a silent auction offered numerous delightful goods.
Local businesses stayed open late and offered special sale prices and offers only available for one night.
It looks and feels a lot like Christmas in Maidstone and there are still lots of great deals to be had for those who choose to shop locally.
