Jim Mason
Columns
August 21, 2008 01:01 AM
Jim Mason
Heading downtown for a little madness tonight?
Moonlight Madness that is, as in the bargain festival that merchants in the Stouffville Business Improvement Area put on every August.
This isn’t Mardi Gras, but there will probably be a few sightings of pyjama-clad people.
This is wholesome family entertainment.
Jumping castles, guitar bands and ice cream cones kind of fun.
But, beyond the good deals from local merchants, you can also pick up information on your hometown.
Think you know this place? Maybe not.
This isn’t the Stouffville of the 1980s. Back then, there were women’s institutes, Friday night square dances and livestock auctions.
The single arena pad was a barn and the only swimming pool was outdoors.
Fast forward 25 years and the inventory of facilities and community groups has had a major makeover.
Sure, there are still standbys, including the Masonic lodge, Canadian Cancer Society and the Music Mania variety show.
But, we’ve also added a swim team, municipal transit and a partnership with a community in Tanzania.
A curling club could be next.
All of the above will be featured at a community information fair being run in conjunction with Moonlight Madness tonight.
You can talk to representatives from 7 to 10 p.m. in Civic Square.
That’s right in front of Nineteen on the Park, the municipal arts centre under construction in the heart of downtown.
Another one to add to the inventory.
See you there.
Jim Mason is editor of the Stouffville Sun-Tribune.