Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pumping Unit Ready for Launch

One of the most endearing Christmas traditions in East Texas is nearing.  The lighting ceremony for Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit is coming this Saturday in the Lufkin Mall parking lot. 

For 47 years Lufkin Industries has assembled and operated the holiday spectacle.  Rudolph is a Mark 640 oilfield pumping unit, the trailer, which is decorated to be a sleigh complete with Santa, is a 38-foot Ultra Light II dump trailer.  There are more than 1,000 Christmas lights decorating Rudolph and his sleigh.

The lighting festivities will get under way at 5 as the Lufkin Community Band and Choir will play and sing holiday favorites.  Children will be treated to cookies and milk as well as red antlers while supplies last.  Boy Scout Troop 290 will post the colors and do the Pledge of Allegiance.  Even Santa will be arriving during the ceremony.  Then, at 5:30, a robot developed by the Pantherbots from Lufkin High School will flip the switch to light Rudolph.

Be sure to get there early as a huge crowd is expected.