By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter - Lethbridge News Now photo credit

City Support for Upcoming Nikka Yuko Events

Feb 9, 2016 | 1:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens has some exciting events and celebrations coming up.

On Monday, February 8, city council voted to write a letter of support to help with grants so they can bring in a Winter Lights Festival. If they’re successful in receiving grants, it’ll run from December 1 to January 15, and be open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

“What we’re looking at trying to do is put about 80-thousand LED lights into the garden,” noted Executive Director, Michelle Day.

“We want to give the community the opportunity to see the garden in the winter time… This is about doing something in respect and honour of Japan, and the reasons why they put up lights.”

The Mayor’s Office will also help with inivitations and protocol ahead of the garden’s 50th anniversary in 2017.

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Chair of the Anniversary Committee, John Harding, said since the garden is city owned, it’s important to have the support while writing grants and issuing invitations.

“Nikka Yuko was the principal centennial project for the City of Lethbridge. It’s 50th anniversary and the 150th anniversary for the country are not at all a coincidence… We’re interested in having a number of special programs throughout 2017 so that the celebration isn’t only one or two days.” Harding explained.

He added that he has no prediction of how many people will be in attendance, at this point. However, he’s anticipating another large event similar to the 25th anniversary.