Rain affects attendance at Garvan

Rainy weather this season has impacted attendance at Garvan Woodland Gardens’ 16th annual Holiday Lights display, but Garden Director Becca Ohman said crowds have still been good overall.

“The rain has definitely hampered attendance this year, but we have still had several brave the weather to come out to the garden,” she said. “We think it has a special glow in the rain and we encourage anyone, if they’re able, to come out on some of the rainier nights. However, we are looking forward to the clearer skies coming our way this weekend.”

The garden has remained open every day it was scheduled to open

for the display, which began Nov. 17, and will continue to be open for visitors through Dec. 31 with the exception of Christmas Day.

The botanical garden’s light display was named one of the best places to see Christmas lights in the United States by HouseBeautiful Magazine.

The lights cover 18 of the garden’s 210 acres and Ohman said she believes “the unique nature of the light show is what has gained attention across the state and nationally over the years.”

This year, the 50-foot-tall singing Rose Tree was completely updated with 13,130 RGB lights, and features a 12-minute musical holiday celebration with animated light show. Susan Harper, visitor services director, said in November that three volunteers — Pam Woollis, Elton Benson and Doug Lambert — spent two weeks punching

13,130 holes in fabric to push the lights through before wrapping the tree.

Ohman said the garden’s team of fabricators is incredible at capturing each year what makes this display a tradition for so many people. Because of this, the garden makes an effort to ensure everyone who wants to see the display is able to do so.

“If you are in line standing or in a car waiting to get in at 9 o’clock, you will be admitted to the garden,” Ohman said. “We will monitor both the line of cars and those standing to make sure we are letting those people in.

“We haven’t had to turn anyone away.”

The event, she said, is very important to the overall operation of the garden, allowing horticulture displays throughout the year, continuing the level of excellence Garvan Woodland Gardens is known for.

Admission to Holiday Lights is $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-12. Children 3 years old and younger are admitted at no charge. Garden members are also admitted at no charge.