Get caught up in Brockport's 'Midnight Madness'

Get caught up in Brockport's 'Midnight Madness'

Brockport's long-running Midnight Madness event is truly one of those that offers something for everyone - from the young children who can participate in the costume parade down Main Street, to children who are a little bit older and enjoy a good fright in a spook house, to parents who want to either watch the young ones enjoy the festivities or who want to come down, do some shopping, listen to an author and perhaps get an autographed copy of a book.

Midnight Madness in the Village of Brockport kicks off on Thursday with a party at the Sweden/Clarkson Community Center.

On Friday, October 27, merchants in the village will be hosting Midnight Madness sales and there will be a costume parade, which begins at 6:30 p.m., with free balloons and "lots of treats" from the merchants, followed by a free party at the Market Street Fire Hall. Pat Kutz, owner of Lift Bridge Book Store, thanked the Brockport Fire Department for the use of the fire hall for the party. The party features face painting, pumpkin painting, games, food and a spook house.

Saturday's events include a visit by Baltimore author Laura Lippman who will be at Lift Bridge Book Store beginning at 4 p.m. She will do a question and answer session and autograph books for attendees. "It's always exciting having a nationally recognized, award winning author come to town," Kutz said. "But the idea of having a mystery writer coming to the area on Halloween weekend just sounded like a lot of fun."

Kutz said Lippman's books are set in a small neighborhood similar to many to be found in the Rochester area - even Brockport - and she said the neighborhoods play a big part in Lippman's novels.

Lippman has more than a dozen books in print. Her latest novel is No Good Deeds. "With all of the sales the merchants are hosting and with the opportunity to get an autographed book, this weekend is a great way to get a head start on holiday shopping," Kutz said.

Josephine Matela, head of the Brockport Merchants Association, said Midnight Madness is a long-time tradition in the village. "We have always tried to make it be a family event where everyone can come and have a good time in a safe venue," she said. "The merchants really look forward to seeing the children in their costumes as they participate in the parade."

Brockport merchants host Halloween party

On Friday, October 27, the Brockport Merchants Association will host a community Halloween Party at the Market Street Fire Hall from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The evening begins with a parade at 6:30 p.m. starting at the Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street. There will be holiday treats at the party as well as pumpkin painting, cookie decorating and a Haunted House. Admission is $1 to the Haunted House, all other activities and food are free.

For information contact Jo Matela 637-3340.