MaineBusiness.com

Freeport, Maine – At 12:01 am, Santa sounded the start of the first annual Moonlight Madness Shopping Celebration in Freeport, Maine with the distinctive deep rumble of his vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle going down Main Street. Santa was in the lead of a “Fun Run” of sorts, with lots of jubilant shoppers following close behind. Hundreds of others were waiting in line for the momentary door openings at the L.L.Bean Outlet and dozens of other stores in this famous shopping village.

By all accounts, it was a festive and exciting start to the official holiday shopping season. Sources familiar to the seasonal retail business in Freeport said this was the highest volume of early morning shopper traffic they’d seen in fourteen years. The focus on a fun activity, the Christmas card setting of the town, hundreds of free Gift Cards given out by L.L.Bean and dozens of other discount promotions and special sales throughout town were seen as factors contributing to the success of the event.

“We wanted to add extra fun, excitement and sense of spirit to the shopping season this year, and make sure everyone enjoys a memorable Freeport Holiday experience. Starting things off at the stroke of midnight seemed like a good way to do it,” says Myra Hopkins, Executive Director of Freeport Merchants Association, which organized the event. “Everyone seems very pleased, “ says Hopkins. “Even more stores are already planning to participate for next year’s Moonlight Madness.”

The Holidays in Freeport move forward, with The 15th Annual Sparkle Weekend on December 5th, 6th and 7th. Sparkle Weekend is Freeport’s signature holiday event with Freeport’s Famous Talking Christmas Tree, Photos with Santa, Free Horse-drawn Carriage Rides, The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for the Arthritis Foundation, Free Hot Cocoa Stops, Carolers,
The famed Tuba Christmas Concert at the Freeport Performing Arts Center and more.

For complete event listings on Sparkle, the ongoing L.L.Bean Northern Lights Celebration and other Freeport events of the season go to www.FreeportUSA.com or contact the Freeport Merchants Association at 207-865-1212