Assignment Editors:
Special Events in Vancouver Parks

December 1, 2005 (No. 28) - Vancouver Parks host a diverse range of cultural events and outdoor activities. Listed below are some upcoming special events facilitated by the Vancouver Park Board. For detailed information please go to the Park Board web site at www.vancouverparks.ca and look for Special Events under the For Your Information section.

Bright Nights/Christmas Train in Stanley Park December 2nd - January 2nd, 3 pm - 10 pm (Closed Dec. 25th) at the Miniature Railway and Children's Farmyard area off Pipeline Road in Stanley Park. A winter wonderland featuring over one million dazzling lights and displays. For information, phone: 604-257-8531. Reserve timed-tickets by phoning 604-280-4444.

VanDusen Garden's Festival of Lights December 9th - December 31st, 2005, 5 pm – 9:30 pm (Closed Dec. 25th) at 37th Avenue and Oak Street. A perfect evening outing for the entire family with a Santa's Workshop, Community Choirs, Dancing Lights on the Lake, eight acres of sparkling lights and wishing opportunities at the Candle Shrine. For media information, phone: 604-257-8670 or visit the VanDusen web site at www.vandusengarden.org .

Bloedel Floral Conservatory Christmas Display December 6th through January from 10 am - 5 pm (Closed Dec. 25th) atop Queen Elizabeth Park. A sea of multi-coloured poinsettias, amaryllis, tender narcissus and twinkling white lights add festive touches to this tropical paradise of plants. Fantastic free-flying birds. The Conservatory can be rented for evening holiday receptions. For information, phone: 604-257-8556. Enter Queen Elizabeth Park from Main and 33rd Avenue.

Christmas Tree Grove at Bidwell Street and Beach Avenue Lights up December 1st for World AIDS Day and then nightly at sunset through January 7th, 2004. This beautiful grove of stately Elm trees are bedecked with 10,000 lights to the delight of walkers and drivers alike.

Winter Solstice Lantern Procession Along the Shoreline of False Creek Near David Lam Park December 21st, 6 pm -7:30 pm. For map and routes, go to www.secretlantern.org . For information, phone: 604-713-1800.

"Ice Time on Sale" For Rentals between December 17th - January 2nd, 2006. Special rate of $99 per hour at Park Board rinks located at Britannia, Kitsilano, Kerrisdale, Riley, Trout Lake, Sunset, Killarney and West End. Great for family and neighbourhood parties. For information, phone: 604-257-8124.

Need any story ideas? Visit the Park Board's web site, check out the feature boxes on the home page or just give us a call.

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For further information, contact: Terri Clark, Communication Coordinator, at 604-257-8438.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.

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