Good weather — and a better tree-lighting — promised for CCDA’s Midnight Madness

Ho ho ho but hold the snow, the annual Midnight Madness downtown holiday season kick-off is set for tonight with good weather expected for the yearly menagerie of merry making.

Friday’s forecast calls for a high of 7C and an overnight low of just -2C, and with traditional sales and events planned, a good time should be on tap, say organizers.

“I hope a lot of people come down, it should be a great time,” said Les Schwabe, chair of the City Centre Development Agency.

Last year the agency moved the annual event from Thursday to Friday, and enjoyed bigger crowds, but also some controversy.

The tree-lighting in BATUS Park was underwhelming and gained notoriety on social media before crews replaced a faulty wire and added more lights.

This year’s display — created by A Cut Above Tree Services — should erase any memory, according to Schwabe. “Charlie Brown has left the park,” he joked. This year’s tree lighting is at 6 p.m. The night promises choirs, caroling, sales at 100 businesses and some favourite special events.

Servus Credit Union is again sponsoring hayrides. Remax real estate agent Devon Felesky is sponsoring the 7 p.m. showing of “Home Alone” at the Monarch Theatre.

Santa Claus will be on site at the RiteDowntown lot on Second Street, and the nearby Beveridge Landmark Events facility is again hosting sip and shop.

The Medicine Hat Public Library’s book sale is tonight, continuing on Saturday.