Businesses that participate in the Moonlight Madness Celebration between midnight and 3 a.m. immediately after Thankgsiving make it well worth the effort, according to FreeportUSA, which sponsors the event.

Once the annual Fun Run around the village is complete, shopping begins in earnest. Black Friday shopping continues in Freeport further into the day, of course, but shoppers love the deals – and the fun – surrounding Moonlight Madness.

“Between midnight and 3, businesses make more than in all of Black Friday,” said Kelly Edwards, executive director of FreeportUSA. “Parking is no problem, the Amtrak Downeaster offers $5 fees from Boston to Freeport. It doesn’t feature the same crowding and lines you see at other Black Friday events. It’s not a huge crowd. There’s no pushing and shoving, and the town is all decorated.”

The Fun Run begins at 11:45 p.m., and is hosted by the Freeport High School Interact Club. Proceeds from the race benefit the Freeport Community Services Fuel Assistance Fund. The Fun Run, a one-mile loop, begins and ends at Olympia Sports on Main Street. Santa Claus will lead the fun run down Main Street on a Harley. Pre-registration is $10, and can be done at www.runinarace.com. Registration the night of the event, from 10:30-11:30, is $15.

– Larry Grard