Enchanted Forest lights up snowy Saskatoon

Saskatoon is kicking off the holiday season this weekend with the 19th annual Enchanted Forest at the Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.

Representatives from main sponsor BHP joined the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation and Saskatoon Zoo Foundation in flipping the switch for the light show Thursday during a special preview.

The 19th annual Enchanted Forest has been officially lit, and what better snowy night to do it? The Forestry Farm Park and Zoo opens the tour to the public tomorrow. #yxe pic.twitter.com/qjFOE3hR7C

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) November 16, 2017

Members of the Rush Dancers also joined the opening ceremony to unveil the lacrosse team-sponsored “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” display, which shows the Grinch’s journey down Mount Crumpit to Whoville before growing his heart three sizes.

The lighted forest tour also features displays from the Saskatchewan Roughriders and other businesses across the province, including tree lighting shows sponsored by Rawlco Radio.

Karen Bardi brought her family for the preview event, and told 650 CKOM it helps get them in the Christmas spirit.

“We get to see all the lights and it’s a beautiful family moment,” she said.

The Grinch slides towards Whoville in a new light display sponsored by the Saskatchewan Rush at the Enchanted Forest in Saskatoon. (Chris Vandenbreekel/650 CKOM)

The Enchanted Forest opens to the public Friday with a LightWalk pedestrian tour. Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

People attending the pedestrian tour are being asked to park at the church or school parking lots near the forest’s entrance.

Drive-through tours start Saturday and run until Jan. 6.

Proceeds from the light show go towards funding projects at the Forestry Farm Park and Zoo as well as at City Hospital.