Christmas in Williams Park was set to go ahead as a COVID-19-friendly drive-thru style celebration, but Dr. Bonnie Henry’s new restrictions has postponed the even to at least Dec. 7.
Barbara Sharp, president of the Christmas in Williams Park Society, said in a Facebook post that the orders impact the first two weeks of the planned park display.
“While we were all set to open this Saturday for a drive thru only event even our non socially interactive event is postponed until further notice,” Sharp explained. “At this point, the date given in the order is Dec. 7, but please keep checking back to the Facebook page to get any updates to this events change in opening.”
The park gates will be closed for all evenings as per normal until the society receives notice that they can proceed.
“This means all lights will be out as well so there can be no opportunity to gather,” Sharp added. “We remain hopeful that we will be able to open soon given that there is no exposure to any member of the public for this event.”
READ MORE: COVID restrictions cancel Glow Gardens at Greater Vancouver Zoo
The display has become an annual tradition for many across the Lower Mainland, who flock to take in the bright lights; an engagement even took place in the park last December.
Musical choirs, hot cider, and fresh treats have all been part of previous years, but due to COVID restrictions, much of the in-person touches had been cut – with only cars allowed to drive through the park to gaze at displays.
“There is no parking at all and no wandering through,” Sharp stressed before Dr. Henry’s announcement. “People can circle through as many times as they want and go slow and maybe even stop to. take a picture if there isn’t anyone behind them. They just can’t get out of their vehicle.”
More information can be found at www.facebook.com/Christmas-in-Williams-Park-Society
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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