SASKATOON — It has been 25 years of sparkling lights and luminous fundraising for Saskatoon’s Enchanted Forest popular holiday attraction. Did you know that the BHP Enchanted Forest is one of Canada’s largest and longest-running Christmas Holiday Light Shows?
In an interview Hugh Vassos, Marketing Director, states, “The organizers started as the two foundations along with a couple key contributors and that structure has lasted for the past 25 years.”
Vassos says they are celebrating their 25th anniversary with the addition of three new light displays. The new additions include the BHP Christmas Around the Globe display, the tunnel of lights and the prairie portraits.
“Along with the new displays, there is an extended drive-thru display stretching to 2.5 kms.”
How has the Enchanted Forest evolved since its first year? The EF committee says the biggest evolution has been the addition of new lights displays, now including up to 75 custom-built images, as well as changing all the lights to LED making the display more energy efficient.
The popular holiday attraction in Saskatoon blends its dazzling festive displays with fundraising for the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation and the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, with $7M in net proceeds shared for these causes to date.
Vassos says there are several highlights they are proud of, “Being able to provide the community with an event that has become a family tradition since 1999 and was the only event available to attend during the holidays in 2020. Also the spectacular displays that stretch out through the beautiful urban forest that is the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park.”
As with any outdoor displays in Saskatchewan during winter, the major challenge each year is the weather, as it is so unpredictable. Some attendees say this year’s brown December eliminates the snow capturing the essence of the lighting at night however it has not deterred people from coming.
A team of approximately 50 people starts set up in September and take down follows the last day of the attraction’s opening in January
Saskatoon’s Rotary Club provides an excellent partnership, taking care of managing the front gate for the event.
Sweden’s Team Hasselborg, while not on the ice competing at the Grand Slam of Curling in Saskatoon, took in the popular Saskatoon holiday attraction and posted video to their team's Instagram page, stating, “Saskatoon is a beautiful city, day and night.”
Vassos says, “We host bus tours, large and small, and attract all sorts of groups for Christmas parties. The BHP Enchanted Forest has become a source of tremendous pride for Saskatoon residents. Residents become tour guides for visiting friends and relatives over the holiday season.”
The event just doesn’t just boost Christmas spirit and the fundraising initiatives; attracting over 75,000 visitors through the gates also results in economic spinoffs for Saskatoon in the hospitality and retail industry.
Vassos says, “Over the years we have received amazing feedback particularly that this event has become part of so many people’s family holiday traditions. The event is truly for everyone and provides enjoyment to thousands as well brightens everyone’s mental well-being. “
Noah’s Ark, the fireworks, and Santa’s workshop are deemed some of the most popular displays with the light tunnels also becoming a new favourite.
Online reviews corroborate the 25th anniversary theme of the Enchanted Forest being part of a family tradition. A number of reviewers said they were introduced to the holiday spectacular as kids and are now taking their own families to be part of the magical lights display. Spending time with the family really lights up the whole holiday season, and Saskatoon’s Enchanted Forest offers this merry and bright opportunity.
