Midnight Madness in Knowlton
Ten years ago Brome Lake Books planned a party for the launch of the very last of the Harry Potter books. The book could only be sold at midnight so events were planned leading up to the big moment. The other businesses in the building, which were Woolrich, Ma Bille, and Cafe Inn all wanted to join in the event and stayed open as well. There was music, food, drinks, specials, and complete madness at midnight. In fact it was such a success that all the businesses decided to do it again, but with Christmas shopping as the theme. Soon other businesses in the town asked if they could take part and Midnight Madness was born.
Over the years other elements have been added: there is caroling, and wagon rides, fire pits and Christmas lights, and Olaf the snowman who will be handing out some gifts to the little ones. This year there will be lanterns adorning Coldbrook Park. The pop-up small vendor market has expanded to two locations this year. At 264 Knowlton Road, the birthplace of Midnight Madness, there will be food vendors, with many familiar faces from the Saturday summer market, cheese, wine, meat, fish, preserves, baked goods, and much more. There you will also find festive music provided by the Knowlton Harmony
Band and a Louise Penny game called The Escape Room, a challenge not to be missed. At 51 Lakeside Road you will find artisans of all sorts selling their creations. There will be paintings, folk art, flower creations, and gift ideas for all ages. Musical entertainment at this location will be provided by the astounding Daniel Haché and the ever-popular band Squeegee. Many restaurants and shops have booked live music for the evening. At the top of England Hill the friendly staff of the BMO will be handing out hot chocolate and warm soup. Early in the evening, the Brome County Historical Society will be open with special activities for the little ones. Also this year, Pettes Memorial Library will be opening their doors during the evening offering eggnog, cookies, and a chance to listen to a recording of “Dickens a Christmas Carol” with Patrick Stewart reading Scrooge.
Each participating store or vendor has donated a prize (over 50 prizes) and with each purchase that you make in any of the participating stores during Midnight Madness your name will be entered into the draw for one of two gift baskets made up from the prizes. The more purchases you make the more chances you have to win. Once again this year there will be the Big Scavenger Hunt Challenge. Pick up a map of participating stores at the tourist kiosk in Coldbrook Park or at one of the two pop-up markets and make your way around town finding the answers to questions as you go. Participants in the scavenger hunt who have answered all the questions correctly will be entered to win a special grand prize.
The Knowlton Academy secondary one students with the help of some adults will be offering a drop-in daycare at the school. The theme will be Christmas Beach Party. It will be open from 5 until 9:30 p.m. The cost will be $10 for one child and $15 for more than one. The money raised will go to their end of year trip. For more information contact Amy: dynamy@hotmail.com or 450531-1382.
Knowlton