Just six very short days before the winter solstice Madness shall be unleashed upon the commercial core of Denman Island. Friday, December 15 between the hours of 5:00 and 9:00
p.m. we will bright up the night with luminaria light all the way from the Earth Club Factory ‘round to the Activity Centre where you will find the John the Rug Man selling his magic carpets until 8:00 p.m. (he’ll be there Saturday too). No matter where you choose to begin your descent into Madness you are guaranteed to find fun, frolic and friends. I suggest you come hungry and ready for dinner as food will be available in three locations: Tachi’s Cafe in Abraxas Books, Takeout Near You sited at the old bakery, and the Earth Club Factory. The Bistro will be open late with appetizers, hot “special” beverages, and more. Out by the bonfire you can create your own s’more. Don’t miss the variety of giftware, clothing and toys, some 35% off that night! Donna and Sheldon will also have seasonal baking in ready-made gift boxes. Donna always has an amazing array of different goodies. Takeout Near You offers the finest French Fries this side of the Beauforts plus pizza, poutine, Korean chicken, veggie and meat burgers. Tachi will have drink specials as well as door prizes. Sipping on something warm is one way of taking Madness in stride. Speaking of which, a Madness first! Some carollers will be assembled on the lawn of St. Saviours Church from 5:30-6:00 ish singing and giving out warm apple juice
Our core General Store will stay open extra late to serve you revellers that Friday evening. Do drop by to say Happy Madness to Jennifer and crew.
The wonderful Denman Hardware really gets into the spirit, serving up spirits in the form of Rusty Nails and Screw Drivers, keeping the antifreeze level up for the adult populace.
The Denman Craft Shop ladies, now thirty years old (!) look forward to giving you the opportunity for night shopping with their gorgeous selection of artisan fare created on Denman. Their neighbour, Abraxas Books and Cafe, will be doing the same. Tachi has filled the space with all sorts of playful bits and bobs to augment the very fine selection of books including very fun socks, art supplies, stickers and journals.
The Art Centre will be alive with Community Collage for anyone and everyone who wants to create a page for the 2023 Community Collage book. All of the books from 2006 and onward will be available for perusing — each a Time Capsule of its own. Our theme this year: I AM SO GRATEFUL—LET ME COUNT THE WAYS. Brain scientists have discovered that the contemplation of gratitude paves neural pathways to the frontal cortex. Even if you can’t think of a single thing to be grateful for (c’mon, really?!?) the act of TRYING forges the way. There are a number of new residents on our fair isle, it’s time for you to represent! Come on into the Art Centre during Madness and enjoy making a collage page. Des Bowman will be on the Art Centre porch selling his delightful photos of critters both tame and wild. He may be joined by other vendors, we shall see!
Late breaking news! Magdalene Joly will join Des on the Art Centre porch with her gorgeous jewels!
Let’s hope the evening is dry enough for Sheldon to light the bon fire outside the Guest House. Many a Madness evening has concluded there, singing and making merry. We so hope you will all come downtown and join the festivities.
