How many years does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

           

            The Trail of Lights is back after a two-year absence in Austin. The cherished Austin tradition will now include attractions and experiences to expand this year.

        

            “The Trail of Lights is an iconic celebration of authentic Austin,” said Paul Carrozza, Founder and CEO of the RunTex Carrozza Foundation. RunTex Carrozza, Forefront Austin, and HEB are in partership funding the Trail of Lights this year. Some things that will be at the event this year will be going on every night like singers, carolers and different themes each night. Something new this year will be a spot for local businesses and benefiting charities can have their own booth.

               “H-E-B is honored to turn the lights back on again this year as the lead sponsor for the Trail of Lights," said Leslie Sweet, H-E-B Director of Public Affairs. The festival usually has about 250,000 people from out of Austin to visit.

                  There will still be the Trail of Lights 5K as there was every year, hosted by Humana. Carrozza hopes to keep this going next year by raising money with local businesses. 

                 "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," said Carrozza. 

                   The Trail of Lights will kick off on December 16, 2012 with a 5K run followed by the grand opening of the lights display. It will run through Dec. 23rd. HEB will also be providing a free book for every child who attend the Trail of Lights this year.