Trespassers, high demand prompt local Tulip Festival to re-open fields

CHILLIWACK — The Botanica Flower Festival is re-opening its gates – in a sense – because people apparently couldn’t help scaling them.

More than a week after its unexpected closure, festival organizers have announced an equally unexpected field opening between now and tomorrow, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be openings at the same times from April 16 to 21.

“Due to overwhelming demand (and a few bold trespassers), we’ve decided to officially open the field for U-Pick and display garden viewing!” wrote the Botanica Flower Festival in a social media post on Friday, April 11.

The experience won’t be operating in the same capacity as previous years, though. There will be no Ferris wheel, and organizers advise visitors to wear waterproof shoes as the middle of the field is turning into “a small pond”.

“Come soak up the color, tiptoe around the puddles, and get your flower fix the legal way this time. We can’t wait to see you!”

Admission is free for kids, seniors and Access 2 cardholders, while anyone aged 16 to 64 can get in for a flat $5 fee. Tickets are available at the gate only.

The festival is located at 41310 Royalwood Drive. More dates are set to be released later.