CHAT News photo - Taylor Bain from Shut Up and Wear It says this year's Midnight Madness event was one of the best so far.

By Alex McCuaig

Midnight Madness

Hatters pack downtown streets for 2019 Midnight Madness

Nov 23, 2019 | 2:15 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – Downtown streets were packed Friday evening for the Midnight Madness and Christmas tree lighting, providing a boon to local businesses on one of the busiest retail shopping days of the year.

“Sales figures were kind of on the mark which is wonderful but the traffic was even higher than expected,” said Michael Harrington, owner of Valhalla Pure. “Midnight Madness isn’t going to happen 300 nights a year but that increased traffic and seeing people really embrace the city and the downtown, it’s really encouraging.”

The annual event this year was aided by mild weather – at least by November standards – with many businesses packed throughout the evening.

Taylor Bain, sales associate at Shut Up and Wear It, said the women’s clothing store hit a sales record for the evening.

“There was such a great turnout actually starting fairly early around 3 p.m. with people coming in, straight until 11:45 at night,” said Bain. “It really goes to show you how much a community can come together to support their local shops and provide that support for everyone.”

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The event also saw the city’s Christmas tree lit up, wagon rides along with music and free hot chocolate throughout the evening.