A New Face on the Oil Center's Festival of Lights

 THE 24TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, the holiday season kickoff event in the Oil Center organized by the Oil Center Association, is proud to announce a new Presenting Sponsor — Lafayette Utilities System. The Festival of Lights, the first community event that LUS became involved with, continues to evolve with new activities, entertainment, and features that keep the event fresh and fun for local families and visitors.

LUS will also sponsor the new Stop, Shop & Roll Trolley, which will provide transportation throughout the Oil Center to participating retail shops during the festival. Festival-goers can use the trolley at their leisure to take care of some holiday shopping while enjoying the festival. 

“As a publicly owned utility company, Lafayette Utilities System is devoted to supporting events that showcase the spirit of Lafayette,” said Terry Huval, Director of LUS. “Festival of Lights has been a consistently fun, family-friendly event in our community, and I’m proud that we can continue our support as the first Presenting Sponsor.”

In addition to the shopping trolley, a new Santa’s Mailbox sponsored by Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe will be displayed for several weeks in the median across from the Oil Center post office. Children are encouraged to drop their letters to Santa in the mailbox anytime during that period. LAGCOE returns this year with “Light and Learn with LAGCOE” where children will be able to participate in age-appropriate, fun activities designed to introduce the next generation to the energy industry.

Also, the LAGCOE Christmas Tree Corner will showcase mechanical oilfield Christmas trees, decorated to look like standard Christmas trees. A NEW FACE ON THE OIL CENTER’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS   

 Other returning highlights include

• The horse-drawn carriage ride

 • Living Nativity

 • Photos with Santa by Nouveau Photeau

 • Entertainment by local performance groups

• Face painting

• Carnival games

 • And more!

“We are proud to organize the first Christmas event of the season every year,” said Kirk Taylor, OCA Board President. “The look of excitement on children’s faces as the Santa’s Sleigh at Lafayette General is lighted for the first time reminds us all of how special the Christmas Spirit is in Acadiana. Our success is mainly due to support from sponsors, community involvement, and collaboration with members of the Oil Center Association.” The Festival of Lights, held annually on the first Friday in December, is scheduled for December 1 from 5-9pm. Admission is free. For more information about festival activities, sponsors, and to purchase family packs in advance, please visit www.theoilcenter.com

About LUS Lafayette Utilities System has a long and proud history of serving the people of Lafayette. We are your next door neighbors and we care about the same things you do: reasonable utility rates and reliable, quality services that can protect our families and make our community better. LUS offers quality electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunications services. To learn more, visit www.lus.org. 

About OCA The Oil Center Association (OCA), established in 1994, is a 501c6 non-profit, volunteer-driven organization contributing toward the revitalization, improvement, and vision of the future for the Oil Center. Its mission is to unite the business community to preserve, enhance, and assure the continued viability of the area recognized as Lafayette’s Oil Center, while encouraging orderly growth, avoiding urban decay, and promoting a positive image of the Oil Center.

OCA helps to drive economic development and sustainability in the Oil Center by holding annual events and projects, such as the annual Festival of Lights. It also helps to maintain the image and public awareness of the Oil Center and its businesses, and partners with local charities and organizations on co-advertising projects.