Austin Trail of Lights Returns to Zilker Park in December
Produced By RunTex Carrozza Foundation and Forefront Austin, the Austin Trail of Lights, Powered By H-E-B, Returns December 16-December 23
AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 20, 2012) – The RunTex Carrozza Foundation has partnered with Forefront Austin to turn the lights back on at Austin’s beloved Trail of Lights. After a two-year absence, the Austin Trail of Lights, Powered by H-E-B, returns this cherished celebration to the city, adding new attractions and experiences to expand this uniquely Austin event.
Guests will participate in the celebration of the holidays with millions of festive lights on display and a post-trail experience for additional family fun. The Austin Trail of Lights, Powered by H-E-B, promises to be bigger and better than ever before with live music, family activities and much more.
“The Trail of Lights is an iconic celebration of authentic Austin,” said Paul Carrozza, Founder and CEO of the RunTex Carrozza Foundation. “So many people have asked for this, wanting this tradition to be brought back to Austin. Trail of Lights is a piece of Austin’s history and a platform bringing together Central Texans to participate in a vibrant event and advance the community. Great things happen when we come together to celebrate.”
“H-E-B is honored to turn the lights back on again this year as the lead sponsor for the Trail of Lights, Powered by H-E-B,” said Leslie Sweet, H-E-B-Director of Public Affairs. “H-E-B is also bringing a new surprise from the North Pole. Through H-E-B’s Read 3 early childhood literacy program, H-E-Buddy and Santa are joining together to give each child that attends a free book.”
On Sunday, December 16, the Trail of Lights, Powered by H-E-B, kicks off in Zilker Park. The festivities continue with the grand opening on December 16 and run through Sunday, December 23. This year’s events include numerous performers — dancers, singers, musicians and carolers — with themes every night, including Heritage Night, School Spirit Night and Military Appreciation. Food and drink will be available, including hot chocolate, cider and bites from local food trailers.
“Forefront Austin is proud to partner with the RunTex Carrozza Foundation to bring back Trail of Lights 2012 as a celebration for, by and of Central Texas,” said Jay Watson, CEO of Forefront Austin. “Through collaborative partnerships with corporate sponsors, foundations and individuals, we are raising the funds to produce this event with no taxpayer burden. We are grateful to our sponsors who recognize how important this is to our community.”
Trail of Lights has been an Austin tradition since its creation in 1965, when it was titled “Yule Fest.” In 1992 the cherished event became Trail of Lights, and the Austin community has embraced the celebration yearly. The lead sponsor for this effort is H-E-B. Presenting sponsors are Dell, Samsung, Seton Healthcare Family and Vista Equity Partners. Additional sponsors include AT&T, Cirrus Logic, Humana and Wells Fargo. For more information, please visit AustinTrailofLights.org.
###
About RunTex Carrozza Foundation
Since 2003, the mission of the RunTex Carrozza Foundation has been to improve the fitness of our community, state and nation through the support of events and training programs. By promoting the quality of life, we encourage our community to sustain life-long habits of fitness and health.
RunTex Events develops and services hundred of runs, triathlons, duathlons, walks and other community events in the Central Texas region. RunTex Events helps build events that provide a platform to raise awareness and money for non-profits and a community connection for the business sector. For more information, please visit www.runtex.com.
About Forefront Austin
Forefront Austin is a community engagement platform that connects individuals, corporations and nonprofits to lead change in their communities. Our goal is to encourage a more informed and engaged community by inspiring meaningful discussions and offering opportunities for people to get involved through volunteering with or donating to organizations that are leading change. For more information, please visit
http://www.forefrontaustin.com.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of more than $18 billion, operates more than 337 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrated its 105 anniversary in 2010. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 76,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities. For more information, visit www.heb.com.