| Press Release Archive
Austin Energy to install Zilker Tree
We’ve had temperatures in the 80s this week, but don’t
worry – it will start beginning to look a lot like
Christmas. Austin Energy crews will install the 150-foot
Zilker Tree on Thursday, November 6, from about 8
a.m. to noon, weather permitting, in Zilker Park. Austin Energy crews
can also be spotted on Sundays this month installing decorations
and lights along Congress Avenue downtown.
The Zilker Tree, which consists of
39 streamers with a total of 3,159 bulbs, is erected on
one of Austin’s 17 remaining
Moonlight Towers. Moonlight Towers provided Austin with the
city’s first lighting system at the beginning of the
20th Century. Austin is the only city in the world today
with a working tower lighting system. The towers are listed
on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Zilker Tree, designed by Austin Energy technicians,
was first lit in December 1967 by then Mayor Pro Tem Emma
Long. Since then, the honor has been bestowed on the elementary
school winner of a citywide coloring contest. The tree also
is the showpiece of the Trail of Lights, a dazzling display
of more than 40 lighted-exhibits installed in Zilker Park
during the holiday season.
The Zilker Tree will be lit this year on December 7. The
tree then remains lit through the holidays until the start
of the New Year.
For more information, contact Ed
Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000
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