Press Release Archive
Zilker Tree marks 35th Anniversary;
Original designers on hand for tree installation
In recognition of the Zilker Tree’s
35th anniversary, the original designers of the tree including
D.J. Kozlowski, Odie Bull and James “Bud” Wade
will join Austin Energy crews for the installation of this
year’s tree at 11 a.m. Friday, November 1, in Zilker
Park. Austin Energy also will hold a recognition event for
the three retired Austin Energy electricians in late November
near the time of the tree lighting ceremony.
This year’s tree will return to the
traditional red, yellow, blue and green lights featured since
1967, when the first Zilker Tree was lit. Last year the tree
was red, white and blue in commemoration of those who died
in the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center. The tree, which
is 150 feet tall, consists of 39 streamers with a total of
3,159 lights.
Mayor Pro Tem Emma Long lit the first tree
on December 10, 1967. In subsequent years that honor has been
bestowed on the elementary school winner of a citywide coloring
contest. The tree also is a showpiece of the Trail of Lights,
a dazzling display of more than 40 lighted exhibits installed
in Zilker Park during the holiday season.
This year’s tree lighting ceremony
will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 1. The tree
remains lit throughout the holidays until the start of the
New Year. The tree lighting event and the Trail of Lights
are planned and coordinated by the City of Austin’s
Parks and Recreation Department. Austin Energy assists by
providing all electrical needs for the holiday events.
For more information, contact Ed
Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000 |
