WINNIPEG – The Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) is excited to announce a new month-long winter lights festival at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Zoo Lights Festival presented by Red River Co-op will showcase thousands of light installations from traditional tree wrapping to the latest technology in outdoor lighting and projection to bring to life a magically illuminated fictional Manitoba community called Polar Town. The after-hours, ticketed event will run over the course of 32 nights between November 30, 2019 and January 5, 2020.
“More than just a winter light show, Zoo Lights Festival will feature interactive experiences, entertainment, and amazing cultural, musical and artistic experiences,” said Stephanie Meilleur, Events Producer. “We have been working hard to create something really unique, something that’s never been done before in Winnipeg or Manitoba, and I have no doubt that Zoo Lights Festival will be spectacular!”
In addition to an amazing light show, Zoo Lights Festival will feature interactive experiences and warmup areas integrated throughout the festival area. The event will have something for everyone including visits from Santa, fire pits, nightly entertainment, a Third + Bird market, and great food. Polar Town will be brought to life through live music, dramatic performance, interactive art projects, storytelling, physical activities, and diverse food and beverage options. Special events, culinary experiences, guest artists and dance parties will make each night unique.
Artistic programming will prioritize diversity and inclusion through a powerful mix of artists from many different cultural backgrounds. The schedule will include high-quality performances by Indigenous artists, members of the LGBTTQ community, as well as entertainment in both official languages.
“As a locally owned and operated cooperative, Red River Co-op is proud to present Zoo Lights Festival – an event that will see community organizations coming together to create a uniquely Winnipeg experience,” said Doug Wiebe, CEO, Red River Co-op. “Our cooperative is a longstanding partner of the Assiniboine Park Zoo and Conservancy as the sponsor of the Red River Co-op Zoo Tram, and with our $125,000 donation in 2018 for the revitalization of the sports fields through our Co-op Community Spaces Program. We are looking forward to partnering on this new event that is sure to become a treasured holiday tradition for family and friends.”
Additional details and a full schedule of events and entertainment will be released in September. Tickets will go on sale in mid-October.
For more information, visit the Zoo Lights Festival website at www.assiniboinepark.ca/zoo-lights-festival