With a wind warning in effect for Metro Vancouver, the City of Surrey is cancelling Bear Creek Lights tonight.
Anyone with tickets for tonight's festive happenings at Bear Creek Park will receive an email with the option to attend on a different weeknight, the city notes.
The popular event fills the park with light displays for great photo-ops along a one-kilometre walking loop located near the main parking lot, off 88 Avenue. Bear Creek Park Lights is designed to bring light to the area at a time of year when daylight fades, with clocks having just "fallen back" for the season.
Admission is free, but reservations for time slots must be pre-booked on surrey.ca/bearcreeklights, or call 604-501-5100. This year, the bookings went live on Oct. 15, and all time slots are now filled.
"If pre-registered tickets are sold-out, walk-up entries may be accommodated if space is available," the website notes. "Tickets can continue to become available as returns come through. Please keep an eye on the ticketing website."
Walk-up admission is easier on weekdays than weekends, when the attraction is busier.
The event opened Nov. 2 and runs to Nov. 16 (closed on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11), daily from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Entry times are available every 30 minutes.
Select nights will include Nature at Night walks led by Surrey Parks staff (Tuesday/Thursday), story-time sessions with Surrey Libraries (Wednesday) and live music (Friday/Saturday). Check the website for schedules.
New this year, a giant lit tree will be located near the spray park, and washrooms can be used at the new Bear Creek Stadium. Nightly, people can buy snacks and beverages at Cravings Kettle Corn and Little oOtie's Mini Donuts trucks. You can bring your own snacks and drinks but remember to pack it in and pack it out, the event website urges.
Near the garden entrance, people can see Community at Home, a sculpture by Surrey-based artist Cara Guri, the result of a summer Community Art project.
But it will all have to wait until the storm passes.
As of Monday afternoon (Nov. 4), Environment Canada has a wind warning in effect for Metro Vancouver, warning of very strong northwest winds that may cause continuing damage. Wind gusts of up to 100 km/h are expected into the evening.
"Winds will diminish this evening as the frontal system moves inland and weakens," the warning says. "Damage to buildings, such as to roof shingles and windows, may occur. Loose objects may be tossed by the wind and cause injury or damage. High winds may result in power outages and fallen tree branches. Motorists, especially in high profile vehicles, may expect hazardous driving conditions on highways subject to strong cross winds."
– with files from Tom Zillich
