The Lights of Love 5k will be held in conjunction with the tower lighting ceremony at the old airport this evening. Things kick off sometime after 5p, with the kids run starting at 6p, and the rest at 6:30p. Where is it, what’s to see and will it happen if it snows?
The lighting ceremony is Mueller’s version of turning on Christmas tree lights. Rather that a giant tree, we get a giant illuminated Noel sign on the old control tower. The tradition is now in its fourth year since its revival – a similar sign was used for 38 years when the control tower was actually in use at the old airport.
Yes, I know, the photo on the right is from last year. It’s cold out there so I left my camera at home this year.** see edit **
In addition to the ceremony, the Lights of Love 5k is taking place in the neighborhood. It’s a fund raiser for the Austin Ronald McDonald House, and looks like it’s going to raise over $111,000 this year. There’s a 5k run / walk and activities starting in the Browning Hangar – the unmissable single (golden?) arch visible from Airport Boulevard.Both events are set to continue in both rain or snow, and despite predictions of freezing temperatures (lows of 27 degrees). To get a feel for how that would be, I ran the course yesterday evening, while temperatures were in the mid 40s, and here are some things to watch out for on the Lights of Love 2009.
If you can’t make the ceremony and want to get some holiday spirit, take a look at the top of the water tower on 51st St. The workers welding on top of the water bowl make it look like it’s twinkling.
[edit] ok, so I went out in the cold and made a quick video! See you out there – I should be there from 3:45p – come and say hi!
Garreth Wilcock is a Mueller Resident and Realtor ® and represents buyers and sellers of Mueller Austin Homes.