Photo courtesy Aaron VazquezBecause of an increased number of visitors, the Trail of Lights will now charge a $3 weekend entry fee for those age 12 and older.
The reason for the new charge is to make up for the cost of increased security during the weekend, a representative of the trail told Austin City Council at its Aug. 7 meeting. The fee is also meant to encourage more trailgoers to attend during the week.
"By implementing a weekend gate fee on the most highly attended nights, we expect to better disperse the crowds to ensure everyone is able to experience and enjoy the Trail of Lights in a comfortable and safe way," said James Russell, executive director of the Trail of Lights Foundation, in a news release.
The Trail of Lights will open Dec. 7 and close Dec. 21. Entry on opening night will be free, as will eight of the 15 nights the trail is open. Currently, the fee is only set to be in place for the 2014 season and will be re-evaluated for future seasons on an as-needed basis, according to the Trail of Lights news release.
"The funds raised from the weekend gate fee will be sourced directly back into the event to cover the costs for police, security and on-site staff on the busiest nights; [and] add new activities, displays and engaging components to the Trail of Lights in future years," according to a written statement from Trail of Lights officials.
The new entry fee applies to Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Trail of Lights officials were granted approval to implement the fee after Austin City Council approved a resolution Aug. 7 allowing for such a fee.
Councilwoman Kathie Tovo fought the price increase. She was the only council member who voted no on the motion.
"[When we brought the Trail of Lights back] we did commit to the public to allow that to be a free event, and it aggrieves me to start charging. I'm going to need some convincing why we're doing this," Tovo said.
