I first started attending Moonlight Magic in the 90s. Simpler, quieter, more enjoyable. Making the 40th anniversary a “much bigger event” continues the event’s downward spiral. More is NOT always better. In this case simpler is better. Some shopkeepers agreed.
Streets used to be available for shoppers and onlookers, not crowded with food venues and craft sales (which hurt locals). No noisy generators. Ample room to walk the sidewalks and streets without having to worry about tripping over/avoiding wires. The parade was Santa Claus coming to visit. Carolers could be heard without being drowned out by Zumba or other dance venues with loud music over boom boxes. Some people would dress for the season, not dressing up as inflatable farm animals. Zumba, boomboxes, dressing up as farm animals have absolutely NOTHING to do with the spirit of the season.
Our culture is “supersizing” everything making things less enjoyable. There are times and places for everything. The organizers and participants in some of these events are trying to do too many things for too many people. If you want street food or craft fairs go to a fair. If you enjoy inflatable farm animal suits please go to a Disney theme park. If you want farm animals there is the Big E in September. Leave Shelburne Falls Moonlight “Magic” to be a peaceful and pleasant experience as it relates to the holidays.
Except for not being with my friends, I had a much more enjoyable experience in Shelburne Falls the day after Thanksgiving in 2020. None of the noise. I was able to visit two bookstores and talk to the shopkeepers. The area was beautifully lit, no loud music or generators, etc.
In the future I will NOT visit Moonlight Magic (unless it reverts to the way it once was), but choose instead to visit Shelburne Falls during a quieter time(s) during the holiday season when I can truly enjoy my surroundings, dine in the local restaurants, and shop comfortably in the local shops.
Peter K. Sullivan
Northampton