Santa Claus brought his undeniable jolly presence and cheer to Kamsack on November 29 when Moonlight Madness was in the air.
The highlight of this annual pre-Christmas shopping promotion is always the Santa Claus parade, which began at 6 p.m. this year, ending at the Broda Sportsplex, where special activities were held, including a free hockey game.
“Moonlight Madness is always a fun kickoff to the Christmas season, and it’s a really great way to bring our community together!” said Shanley Allard, Kamsack’s recreation director.
“We encouraged businesses, organizations and interested persons to enter a float in the parade, and the final tally was 17 floats.
“Lloyd Smith of Pelly, with the help of his daughter Shana Lippert of Kamsack, and granddaughter Morgan Wallington of Pelly, supplied horse-drawn wagon rides around town.”
Free public skating at the Broda Sportsplex began at 4 p.m.
After the parade arrived at the Sportsplex, Santa came inside and made himself available for photos with his “fans,” while everyone enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies and face painting provided by the Town of Kamsack and Legacy Co-op (Kamsack Co-op Food Store).
The Kamsack community choir, directed by Susan Bear, was on hand for some Christmas carolling.
At 7 p.m. the Kamsack Peewee Flyers took to the ice in a hockey game against the Langenburg
Warriors. The stands were filled with cheering fans, and 50/50 tickets were sold in support of the Kamsack Minor Hockey Association.
Everyone was invited to cast a ballot for their favorite float in the parade, and the winners were: in first place with a prize of $150, the Kamsack New Beginnings that featured “wonderful music”; second and $100, Kamsack Gymnastics Club which featured an “adorable train,” and third for a prize of $50, Madge Lake Bible Camp featuring a “beautiful horse-drawn carriage.”
Allard is encouraging those in attendance with photos to send them to the Town electronically to have the photos added to the online photo album.
“Moonlight Madness was a wonderful community celebration and we want to see your Moonlight Madness moments too,” she said.
Sas-Kam Sportsman on Main Street was one of the Kamsack businesses which stayed open late during the event, to accommodate those wishing to get ahead of their Christmas shopping.
The Kamsack Playhouse Theatre was also in the Christmas spirit by showing the movie Elf, beginning at 7:30 p.m., free of charge.
“We had around 50 people attend,” said playhouse members Shelley Filipchuk and Karen Tourangeau of the event. “The movie was great family fun.”
The concession at the Broda Sportsplex was operated by the Iron Grill.
