Big Spring named poinsettia capital

Big Spring has been named the Lighted Poinsettia Capital of Texas, which is a tribute to its annual Festival of Lights, according to a news release.

The honor, which comes from the Texas Department of Transportation, recognizes the festival in Comanche Trail Park, which runs Dec. 15-31 this year.

Big Spring resident Pat Simmons, inspired by holiday celebrations in other cities, started the festival in 1997. The city expects more than 20,000 people to tour Comanche Trail Park during the festival, while more than a million people will view the 18- to 50-foot-tall lighted poinsettia displays near Interstate 20.