As expected, it was a record-breaking year for Wildlights at the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops, as park officials say there were 28,090 visitors over the 23 night-event.

General Manager Glenn Grant says the 2023 edition of the annual holiday light display included a single-day record of 3,129 people on Dec. 23, making it the most attended Wildlights in history.

“To say that we did well was an understatement,” Grant said. “I think this year’s event was an enormous success.”

“Obviously the weather had an awful lot to do with it. Its really strange that we didn’t have to plow snow one time throughout the event, but we also like to think that we had so many new features this year that that also added an awful lot to the enjoyment and for people wanting to come out.”

The previous record was set 20 years ago in 2004, when 24,726 people took in Wildlights. The 2022 edition – which saw about 22,600 visitors – came close to breaking the old record.

Speaking on the NL Noon Report, Grant says the revenue generated by Wildlights will go a long way as the BC Wildlife Park was coming off its slowest summer in 17 years due to smoke and wildfires in the area.

“This will help make sure that we’ve got the revenue to look after the animals, meet all the payroll, make sure all our bills our paid, up until we get going again in March,” Grant said.

He also noted the park has enough money to repay $60,000 in federal COVID-19 loans that are due by Jan. 18.

“Quite happy we have enough revenue to look after that without worrying about how we are going look after that,” Grant said. “Once all the people come, and the revenue starts to flow a little bit, it obviously makes operating the park a lot easier.”

Grant says Wildlights – which ran from Dec. 15 until Jan. 7 – began in 1998 primarily as a way for the BC Wildlife Park to generate revenue during the quieter winter months. He says it also serves as a holiday event that brings the Kamloops and area community together.

“It’s a great family tradition and this year was a huge success,” he said. “Over the years our team has updated and expanded the various displays, creating stunning photo opportunities for families to remember for years to come.”

The BC Wildlife Park is currently open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends, statutory holidays, and SD73 Pro D days. It will be open seven days a week from March 1 until Oct. 14.

The next edition of Wildlights will run between Dec. 13, 2024 and Jan 5, 2025.