Today the Sequoia Park Zoo issued what might seem to the untrained eye to be an innocuous press release promoting their second annual Zoo Lights holiday event. (Two miles of lights! Wow!)
But contained within is very specific wording that should raise eyebrows in the Eel River Valley: The zoo hopes to inspire you to visit it by claiming that, for the first time this year, they plan to illuminate the “Tallest Living Christmas Tree in the World.”
Whoa, zoo. That’s Ferndale’s turf.
Since 1934, Ferndale has lit a Sitka spruce located at the end of Francis Street to celebrate the season and they’ve historically also employed the “Tallest Living Christmas Tree” verbiage in hopes of drawing shoppers and revelers across Fernbridge. The undisputed local Christmas destination, the Cream City also hosts numerous holiday-themed events annually, including the Lighted Tractor Parade.
Is the Sequoia Park Zoo gunning for Ferndale’s Christmas Champion status? Well, they don’t out and say that, nor do they provide any corroborating evidence that they should be awarded the title, but read the release below and judge their intentions for yourself:
The City of Eureka’s Sequoia Park Zoo is set to sparkle with the second annual Zoo Lights! Proudly presented by Eureka Lodging Alliance, this year will feature over two miles of lights, reimagined holiday displays, and the illumination of the Tallest Living Christmas Tree in the world.
“Naturally, it’s a redwood!” says Jim Campbell-Spickler, Sequoia Park Zoo Director. “We can’t think of a better way to share the Christmas spirit with our community than by decorating this iconic tree for the holidays.”
After a comprehensive climb and direct tape-drop measurement, the impressive redwood is now ready for the installation of the special holiday lights and ornaments. The Zoo plans to share sneak peeks of the process on social media and will release the official height of the tree in the days before Zoo Lights opens to the public.
In addition to the Tallest Living Christmas Tree in the world, the second year of Zoo Lights will feature expanded hours, new lighted areas, and more than a dozen holiday displays across the Zoo - including a whimsical pollinator garden, gingerbread fairy house, bear-y merry boardwalk, and more!
“We are fortunate to have the Eureka Lodging Alliance as the Zoo Lights presenting sponsor,” says Miles Slattery, Eureka City Manager. “They have been a long-standing supporter of the Zoo and Redwood Sky Walk, and their contribution to Zoo Lights this year has made some incredible expansions possible!”
Zoo Lights opens on Saturday, December 14, 2024 and runs select nights through January 5, 2025. Beginning November 26, Zoo Lights tickets may be purchased at the Zoo ticket booth in advance or on the night of the event. Adverse weather may require closure at any time.
Sequoia Park Zoo is excited to bring Zoo Lights back for another year of holiday magic, and we look forward to celebrating the holidays with our community! Visit redwoodzoo.org for event details and updates.
What:Zoo Lights presented by Eureka Lodging Alliance When:Select nights December 14, 2024 - January 5, 2025 5:00p-8:00p, last entry at 7:30p
Where:Sequoia Park Zoo 3414 W Street Eureka, CA 95503
CLICK TO MANAGE