November 4 , 2004 News Media Release

Zilker Tree of Lights Going Up

Austin Energy crews will assemble the Zilker Tree of Lights Friday, November 5 th at Zilker Park.

The Zilker Tree, which is built on a moonlight tower, is 152 feet tall. The tree consists of over 3,309 lights on 39 streamers and is recognized as one of the tallest holiday season displays in the nation. The streamers are 137 feet long and each streamer holds 81 red, yellow, blue and green lights. Two stars at the top of the tree each measure 10 feet from point to point and each contains 75 lights.

The idea of decorating a moonlight tower as a tree is credited to Mrs. Alden Davis. She came up with the idea in 1965 while serving as Special Chairperson for the City's holiday activities committee. The tree was designed and built in 1967 by Austin Energy and was lit for the first time December 10, 1967. The tree designers were AE electricians M.V. Wheeler and Odie Bull.

-end-

For more information, contact Ed Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000