Richmond Fire-Rescue is inviting the public to "light up" Christmas with a series of festive events.
They are opening their doors to the community on several days at various fire halls as they host their annual "Lighting of the Fire Halls" event.
One lucky visitor will get to turn on the switch to bring the lights and decorations to life at each of the participating fire halls.
In addition, the community can celebrate the season with cake, refreshments, crafts, face painting, a bouncy castle and more. Adults and kids-alike are invited to meet Blaze, the Richmond Fire-Rescue mascot, along with local fire fighters. Fire safety videos and helpful information about kitchen safety, smoke alarms and seasonal fire safety will also be on display.
Everyone can drop in to join local fire fighters from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at these fire hall locations:. Sunday, Dec. 1, Brighouse Fire Station, 6960 Gilbert Rd.; Monday, Dec. 2, Steveston Fire Station, 11011 No. 2 Rd.; Tuesday, Dec. 4, Sea Island Fire Station, 3911 Russ Baker Way; Thursday, Dec. 5, Hamilton Fire Station, 22451 Westminster Hwy.; Friday, Dec. 6, Shellmont Fire Station, 9400 No. 4 Rd.
For more information, call 604-278-5131.
Learn about owls at Nature Park Stop by the Richmond Nature Park on Sunday, Dec. 1 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for an opportunity to see and learn about owls.
The owl show is presented by representatives of the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL), a Delta organization that rehabilitates injured or orphaned birds of prey. Most of the birds OWL cares for throughout the year will be successfully rehabilitated and released to resume their lives in the wild.
A few birds, such as those you will meet on Sunday, have irreversible injuries that prevent their release, so they become educational ambassadors for owls and their habitat. Visitors will also have the opportunity to check out Birds of Prey, a traveling exhibit on loan from the Royal BC Museum.
For more information, call the Richmond Nature Park at 604-718-6188 or visit www.richmond.ca/parksprograms.
City hall displays Christmas trees Thirty-two Christmas trees are now on display at Richmond City Hall to mark the 13th Annual Winter Wonderland, an initiative presented by the Rotary Club to fundraise for international and social programs through tree sponsors.
The event launch includes a lighting ceremony as well as a sing-a-long with Mayor Malcolm Brodie playing the piano on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. Other performances include, on Saturday, Long & McQuade Richmond Lesson Centre (1-2 p.m.) and Richmond Music School (2:30-3:30 p.m.); on Sunday, Dec. 7, BC Registered Music Teachers' Association (1-2 p.m.) and Emmanuel Children's Chorus (2:30-3:30 p.m.); on Saturday, Dec. 14, band and choir students of Hugh Boyd secondary (1-4:30 p.m.) and Christmas High Tea with Seniors (1-4:30 p.m.).
All donations for performances go to the Richmond Food Bank. Everyone is encouraged to vote for their favourite tree.
