Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit is going up in Lufkin

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LUFKIN (KTRE) - When Rudolph goes up in Lufkin, you know the holiday season is right around the corner.

The pumping unit is painted red and adorned with more than 1,200 colored Christmas lights, including those that make up Rudolph's red nose. It is manufactured specifically for the holiday celebration.

The Trailer is a 38-foot frameless Ultra Light II Dump Trailer, and it is decorated to resemble Santa's sleigh. While Lufkin Industries no longer manufactures trailers, this trailer will continue to serve as the sleigh for the display. This equipment has become a symbol of the company's dedication to the community and its holiday spirit.

"It's a tradition that is deeply rooted in the community. Lufkin Industries enjoys providing this gift to the people of East Texas and visitors who come through," Rob Maharrey, plant manager for Lufkin Industries said. "The anticipation is electrifying. Already people are starting to come by the parking lot here at the Mall to watch Rudolph go up. I know my kids loved Rudolph when they were growing up and they're teenagers now."

The lighting ceremony doesn't happen until Saturday, November 21^st. The festivities begin at 5pm in the parking lot of the Lufkin Mall with the arrival of Santa from his workshop. The event will culminate with the official lighting of Lufkin Industries' Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit at 5:30pm.

During the event, Santa will assist in giving children milk and cookies. Holiday and patriotic music will also be provided for the crowd to enjoy. In addition, Lufkin Industries will give away red Rudolph antlers to children, while supplies last.

This is 43^rd year that Lufkin Industries has sponsored Rudolph the Red Nosed Pumping Unit. More than 2,000 people attended last year's lighting ceremony.

"For more than 40 years our employees have been giving this gift to the community. It's a fun time for the entire family," Maharrey said.

Following the holiday season, Rudolph will become a working pumping unit in an oil field. The display is operational from 10am to 10pm daily through the holiday season.