They couldn't decide on one or the other, so they decided to go with both.
Moonlight Madness in Humboldt will be held on two nights in 2011.
The late-night shopping night that traditionally kicks off the Christmas shopping season, with great deals all over the city, is being expanded after a survey of local retailers.
"We had a bit of inconsistency last year and a lack of communication between businesses that caused confusion for shoppers," said DonnaLyn Thorsteinson of the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC).
The business community then turned to the HDCC, she said, to get involved and provide some uniformity to the event.
A meeting was held with the business community to autopsy the 2010 event, held in November, and to discuss how it could be made better.
"Out of that, businesses asked us to go to retailers and asked which night would be better - Thursday or Friday," Thorsteinson said.
So the HDCC called and visited those retailers and came up with a 50-50 result.
Friday, some said, would involve extra staffing, as it is not usually a late-night shopping night. However, others believe the sales event would attract more out-of-towners and more families on that night, as there would not be school the next morning.
Seeing validity in both arguments, the HDCC sat down with the City of Humboldt, and a few other businesses, including the Humboldt Journal, who founded the event, to discuss what should be done.
"We thought a way to compromise... was to have a two-night Moonlight Madness and have it go Thursday and Friday until 9 p.m.," Thorsteinson said.
As traditionally, businesses were to stay open until 11 p.m. or later when it was one night, this saves a few hours on Friday night, and means no extra hours on Thursday. It will also mean more shopping time for customers.
And, as a community, Thorsteinson feels. Humboldt is ready for a two-day event.
This year, the City of Humboldt is getting involved in the community-side of the planning. They will be organizing events and activities beyond shopping to draw people in.
They will be creating a community atmosphere of Christmas, it was noted by Chelsea Wytrykusz, Community Development Director.
For that, they will be looking for community groups to get involved.
Moonlight Madness for 2011 is set for November 17 and 18.
