By Vanessa Balintec

Once again the Midnight Madness is back and as exciting as ever.

The annual event taking place in Haliburton’s downtown core on Friday Aug. 2 from 7 to 11 p.m. will be a night filled with live entertainment and music delicious food and family-friendly games for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s turned into a 30-plus year event now that has become like a homecoming” said David Zilstra publisher for the Haliburton Echo which co-ordinates the event alongside the Haliburton BIA. “People who grew up here and went here as children are now bringing their children.”

Midnight Madness will feature members of the community from organizations such as the Haliburton Hospital Auxiliary Canoe FM the Rotary Club of Haliburton and the Haliburton Highlands Museum. This year the Rotary Club will be taking the torch from the fire department and will deliver the classic beef on a bun.

“It’s an important night for the community it’s been going on forever and it’s the only night of the year when Highland Street closes” said Zilstra.

A“Prize Pass” will be introduced for the 37th year. The pass prompts guests to find five participating stores to sign off the pass to enter into a draw for a chance to win one of 13 prizes donated by the local merchants downtown. Among the new activities is a watermelon eating contest for people to participate in.

Kids will have a chance to decorate the street with their chalk designs while Gord Kidd & Friends play in front of Shoppers Drug Mart. Bex in Motion returns to entertain the crowd and free banana splits will be served starting at 8 p.m. until supplies run out.

The event runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. along Highland Street. As usual the Haliburton County Echo will be offering discounted subscriptions at the office at 146 Highland St. One-year subscriptions to the Echo or the Minden Times are $36 ($10 off the regular price). Two-year subscriptions will be $70 ($22 off the regular price). Three-year subscriptions will be $96 – more than 50 per cent off the newsstand price. Every new subscription or renewal purchased during Midnight Madness includes a $10 gift certificate to Haliburton Foodland and a chance to win a pair of Blue Jays tickets. (You can also call the office during Midnight Madness to receive the deal 705-457-1037.)