Richmond's city hall has once again transformed into a wintery forest and is welcoming the community to visit its 20th annual Winter Wonderland event presented by the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset.
The event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, and in order to bring back some holiday cheer to the city, the Rotary Club and the City of Richmond decided to move the event outdoors for the first time in 20 years.
All 34 live trees, sponsored by local organizations and businesses, were lit up at a private lighting event on Saturday evening.
At the event, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie and Magdalen Leung, foundation chair of the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunset presented individual speeches, which were then followed by a choir singing classic holiday songs.
While the Rotary wished the public could have joined them on the first night, they had to respect the COVID-19 Provincial Health Orders and keep the event to a small crowd, according to Leung.
"I'm looking forward to seeing people come out and enjoy the tree display and have some kind of activity families can enjoy together," said Leung.
Due to the unpredictable weather, the trees are only decorated with lights and no ornaments, which were all prepared by the student volunteers from Hugh Boyd secondary and Steveston London secondary schools.
The trees, Leung added, are packed with burlap and will be planted throughout the city's parks when the event ends.
When asked if the Rotary Club worries about the security around the display, Leung said they "worry a little," but have faith and trust in the community.
"We hope people will respect the things we do for everyone's enjoyment and we hope no one will vandalize the trees," she said.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Richmond's local food bank when they visit the display.
