Reliant Energy Sponsors the Concho Christmas Lights Tour for the First Time

SAN ANGELO, TX-- The Concho Christmas Celebration received a 25th birthday present with its first ever major sponsor.

In 1997, Lee Pfluger, a local businessman and philanthropist wanted to have a community wide Christmas celebration. Starting with only the San Angelo Community Band and local student choirs the CCC has expanded into one of Texas's top tier Chirstmas light displays. The CCC now has seven major and 12 minor lighted scenes, 24 lighted angels, 46 lighted decorations, 36 Christmas cards, and over three million lights. 

Donna Donaldson, the event coordinator for CCC, has made this once one day event into a month long celebration thanks to Reliant Energy and the Concho Valley. "We've never had someone sponsor us in 25 years," said Donaldson "Reliant is our illumination sponsor."

The sponsorship includes Reliant picking up the electricity bill for the lights. This is a huge cut in expenses for the CCC considering the electricity needed for three million lights. "Reliant has picked up the tab to cover the electricity to run the lights," continued Donaldson. "With the cost of electricity, and the three million lights it will save us a ton of money." 

They will use this money to continue to grow and improve the celebration. "Every year the money that is left over from donations and sponsorships will carry over to the next year," said Donaldson. This year they will be using the leftover money to finish their move from regular bulbs to LED's. "We are is the process of upgrading to all LED lights, because we want to have less of a footprint," explained Donaldson. 

This was Reliant's first time ever sponsoring the event and they thought that it was a success.  "Reliant has been very happy with the parade and with the light tour," said Leanne Schneider, Director of Reliant Community & Sponsorship Marketing. "To see how many people from not only the community, but from all over to come see this." They also were at the Christmas tree lighting and the Parade handing out lighted Santa Hats. Donaldson also volunteered to help hand out the hats. "The absolute joy that was brought to children and adults alike," said Donaldson. "It's the driving force behind the Concho Christmas Celebration."

Reliant provides electricity to people in the Concho Valley and because of that they felt the need to give back. "We have customers here in San Angelo, and it is one of our communities so we are extremely happy to be here to light up the city," said Schneider. "We are excited to be here again next year." Another reason Reliant wanted to sponsor the celebration is for the fact that it is such a long drawn out event that last throughout the Christmas holiday. "It's not just a one day event, this tour of lights goes on for 32 days." said Schneider. 

The tour of lights stretches along the Concho river for 2.5 miles. It starts on Bryant Blvd. and Abe St. and the CCC asks that each car donate $5 per car. "We are a non-profit, so we rely on the goodness, kindness, and generosity of the people of the community" said Donaldson. The light tour will end on Monday Dec. 31, so make sure you take some time out of your busy Christmas schedule to go see what the Concho Christmas Celebration has to offer.