FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Tarah Holland, Public Relations/Social Media Manager
Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau
(318) 429-0653 or tholland@sbctb.org

September 30, 2008

Holiday Trail of Lights a Pathway to New Holiday Happenings

For some 16 years, Holiday Trail of Lights has been a one-of-a-kind partnership between two states – Louisiana and Texas – and six cities – Shreveport, Bossier City, Natchitoches, Marshall, Jefferson and Kilgore to promote holiday festivities along I-20 and I-49.

The partnership held a kickoff event Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the Klima Center at the Gardens of the American Rose Center in Shreveport.

Sharon Calcote, director of development and sales for the Louisiana Office of Tourism and Margo Richards, public relations director of the Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s Office, both spoke at the event to spread awareness of the success of this regional effort.

Holiday Trail of Lights is the only marketing coalition of its kind that is not limited by state boundaries. In addition, the trail is an example of economic growth that is bred from successful regional partnerships. Similar initiatives have been lauded as models for building economic development, while expanding limited resources.

This partnership has not only given visitors lasting holiday memories, but it also has boosted the economy of each city through holiday tourism dollars for more than a decade.

Visitors are encouraged to create their unique holiday experience along the trail, whether through numeral fun-filled events, food, shopping, arts, tours, or any of the other activities in each of the six cities.

Shreveport, Bossier City and Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Jefferson, Kilgore and Marshall, Texas each have classic and also new and exciting events along this year’s trail, including:

Shreveport-Bossier City – The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the world-renowned Rockettes will make its way to the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, Dec. 15-16, to showcase its newest and biggest production ever! Revel in the celebration and marvel at the glamorous Radio City Rockettes and their legendary kicks!

Natchitoches – A new, lighted holiday sign on I-49 will welcome visitors to historic Natchitoches. This year marks the 82nd anniversary of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights. The city and parish plan to host the biggest and best celebration yet!

Marshall – For the first time in 10 years, Marshall will have a downtown that is completely lit and open, without any obstructions or barriers. The city’s Wonderland of Lights rivals any lighting scene in the country, with more than 10 million lights throughout the community. The Historical Harrison County Courthouse, located in the center of the Downtown Square, is the festival’s jewel with more than 125,000 tiny white lights!

Jefferson – Take a memorable holiday ride on the “Rail of Lights Christmas Train” in Jefferson. The train is a great way to treat the family to a journey through time on an unforgettable ride on an old-fashioned steam train. Departing at twilight, passengers will be awed by five miles of twinkling lights while being treated to live Christmas carols on the train. The train will run, Nov. 27-30; Dec. 4-7; 11-14; 18-21; 25-28; 31.

Kilgore – A snow hill in Texas? Travel to Kilgore to take a slide down the Kilgore Snow Hill, Dec. 12-13. While you’re there, enjoy Winterfest, which boasts activities for the whole family including entertainment, visits with Santa, carriage rides, train rides, holiday shopping and more in downtown Kilgore.

For a complete list of holiday events, please visit www.holidaytrailoflights.com. For more information, please contact Tarah Holland at (318) 429-0653 or tholland@sbctb.org.

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