By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Creek Side Resort is lighting up the season with a walking trail illuminated by more than 250,000 bulbs.
Creek Side's trail is at 3301 U.S. Highway 183 bypass and features fire-pit warming stations, along with hot cocoa, beer and snacks for sale. Tickets are $12 at the gate, and children ages 4 and younger are admitted free.
Aaron Dreher, the owner, said the trail is now in its third year and has expanded from basic store-bought decorations to a commercial-grade light display.
"Every year we're gonna keep adding more automation and more unique aspects," Dreher said.
The festive event is open from 6 to 10 p.m. during the following dates:
• Nov. 28 to 30
• Dec. 4 to 7
• Dec. 11 to 13
• Dec. 18 to 21
• Dec. 26 to 27
The half-mile trail also features animated lights synchronized to music, a new addition to the resort’s annual tradition.
The trail consists of uneven surfaces, gradual and steep inclines and declines, narrow passages, slick areas, stairs and other potential hazards. Dreher said it is not well-suited for wheelchairs or mobility scooters at the moment, but he hopes to improve accessibility in the future.
"At some point, we'll get to where part of it is drivable with either a golf cart or some sort of tram," he said. "We have people bring out strollers, and that's OK."
Along the route, visitors walk through what Dreher calls the “12 Hays of Christmas,” where local businesses sponsor their own themed display paired with a song.
The event added an inflatable slide last year and remains part of the attraction near the exit.
Creek Side Resort canceled its Nov. 21 opening day due to weather conditions. You can follow its Facebook page here for updates.
