It is not the event timer that is off, it is one of the severs that cannot keep the time.
One of the servers is running 17 minutes late.
You can check if your connection is with the server witch is on time or running slow by opening the trade window and scroll down to the latest entry. If the time for the item is lower then 6 hours your in luck. If however the time is more then 6 hours, everything time related on your island will be late. The event will start later and also the quests for Love Garden, Christmas tree and Ghost-ship.