Thousands head downtown for Moonlight Magic (12 photos)

Thousands of Saultites swarmed Queen Street tonight for the annual Moonlight Magic event presented by the Downtown Association. Beginning at 6 p.m., early Christmas shoppers took advantage of sales and extended store hours, as well as live entertainment, demonstrations, and free hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows and s’mores.

The very popular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place at 7 p.m. on the Courthouse lawn as Santa greeted the kids and Korah Collegiate’s student band, Mustang Sally, entertained the crowd.

Queen Street from Pim Street to Dennis Street remains closed to traffic as this year’s Moonlight Magic event continues tonight until 11 p.m.

Attendees are invited to sample and vote for their favourite hot chocolate as 19 area businesses take part in the Hot Chocolate Competition. They include City Meat Market, Elliott’s Ice Cream, Lavish Salon, Sault Ste. Marie Museum, Jade Wellness, Pita Pit, J Caroline’s, Koach Katrina, Mane Street Cafe, Ivory Lane Collective, Street City Realty, Queen Street Beauty Lounge, Sault Community Theatre Centre, Laser Advantage, Sweet Greetings, Golden Child Kitchen, Canadian Mental Health, Shabby Motley, and Glassworks.

For more photos and videos of the 2018 Moonlight Magic festivities, visit Google Bulletin here.