AUSTIN, TX -- Austin City Council members tackled the city budget during the regularly-scheduled council meeting on Thursday.
The popular Trail of Lights Festival was once again in limbo, but now, there is a plan in the works to keep it alive.
Last year council canceled the festival altogether because of budget restraints. In 2009, it hosted a smaller version. Now, it is getting outside help.
Austin City Council members approved a plan to allow an outside company to host the annual holiday event at Zilker Park.
In the spring, council asked production companies to send bids for operating the festival. Only one bid came in to City Hall. A marketing company called BrightBlue Combo Platter proposed more green and sustainable improvements, and says it will keep the event pedestrian and family friendly.
"Our vision is one of community unity," said Amy Vercruysse, the executive producer for the Trail of Lights. "We want this to bring the Austin community back together. We definitely want to stick with all the traditional elements the community loves."
BrightBlue says it will keep the original festival name and it is looking to host the event at its original location along the "Great Lawn" of Zilker Park.
The Shaefer family is glad to get the event back.
"I think it will be a great thing to do at Christmas again and part of the Austin tradition and be a family feel and a community feel," Tisch Shaefer said.
They are not the only ones.
"I am really happy to have it back," said Katherine Dyson. "Last year, I wasn't happy to have it gone."
"It's good," Peter Dyson said. "I like to walk around it with my family and see all the scenes people put up."
"I think it will be a great thing to do at Christmas again and part of the Austin tradition and be a family feel and a community feel," Tisch Shaefer said.
They are not the only ones.
"I am really happy to have it back," said Katherine Dyson. "Last year, I wasn't happy to have it gone."
"It's good," Peter Dyson said. "I like to walk around it with my family and see all the scenes people put up."
Council approved a contract with BrightBlue Combo Platter including an option for five 12-month extensions.
The festival will be back this December. BrightBlue is currently looking for sponsors for the festival.
It will cost $5 per person if you are 12 and older. Children 11 and younger will be free.
This will be the first year since the festival began in 1965, that Austin will hand over the production rights.
