@MoonshadowActually, that was when the creature first showed up that they hid or fled.
they turn out the lights and leave only the candles lit during the offering part.
"When the red moon showed up in the sky, the people would stop what they were doing no matter what it was. Every light was shut off(street lamp, house lamp, candles, etc). They would gather around the young man or woman who was chosen to be offered up that year. They would place a crown of black roses upon their head and lead them to the town square. The young man or woman would, then, stand by the fountain in the town square, surrounded by lit candles, and await the arrival of the creature. A song sang by the original townspeople would be heard being sang, a story of sorts mixed with a desire and such for the creature to spare them for yet another year. "
I never said they hid in their homes during the festival/ceremony. lol