The clock is ticking for Austin's annual holiday tradition. The Trail of Lights usually kicks off the second Sunday in December and runs for two weeks. As of Wednesday, there was still no word yet if visitors will have to pay to get into the 2009 event.
There were only cobwebs hanging from the trees at Zilker Park. Absent are the millions of lights and 43 decorations city crews would normally be assembling for Austin’s annual Trail of Lights tradition.
“It kind of takes away from the holiday spirit not seeing the lights," said Mary Gonzales-Limas.
“I thought they would have been started by now because Christmas is not that far away,” said Dolly Garber.
The two women were among a group of people having a picnic at Zilker Park Wednesday.
The Trail of Lights cost about $400,000 to put on each year. With five weeks to go before the annual holiday tradition kicks off, no decision has been made.
“We know Christmas is coming,” said Gonzales-Limas. “We should have been planning this six months ago.”
Since 1965, the city’s two week festival has dazzled families. But earlier this year the city began to consider charging admission and outsourcing the event to help make up a big budget shortfall.
“They should have had this settled at least by the first of October to give them some other time to adjust to what they needed to do,” said Garber.
The city received two proposals, but only one company -- Roadway Productions -- is still in the running. It could charge up to $5 for visitors 11 years and older. There is still no word on how much the city would save by outsourcing to Roadway Productions.
“I am low income and retired. I couldn't pay the $5,” said Garber. "I’m sure there are several families who couldn't pay the $5, especially the way unemployment is.”
“The Trail of Lights has been a tradition for some time now,” said Bill Sandve. “It’s another part of the general culture that says we like to be out and about and we like free access to events where we can celebrate together.”
“Keep it free," said Sue Sandve. “Why not? Let the kids enjoy it. Let’s do something for them. The city can do that.”
A decision is expected in the coming days.
