Del Valle Night Shines Bright at Peppermint Parkway

Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas opened exclusively for the Del Valle community Wednesday, Dec. 13. Over 4,000 Del Valle residents were welcomed by over 6 million holiday lights and a lap around the only permanent, purpose-built F1 track in the country. Guests also enjoyed rides, sweet treats and experiences like Pepper’s Petting Zoo, friendship bracelet making, letters to Santa and more in Peppermint Plaza. 

District 51 Representative Lulu Flores joined the Del Valle Community Coalition (DVCC) and Del Valle Independent School District (DVISD) staff to celebrate the holiday season. For over 11 years, COTA has been able to welcome the world into Del Valle and, without our neighbors, this wouldn’t be possible. COTA appreciates every ounce of support the community offers and hopes residents were able to enjoy celebrating the holidays with their friends and loved ones in the community. 

Check out some highlights below from the night:  

The night was bright for Del Valle residents. As guests entered COTA, they were greeted by a familiar logo from the Del Valle Independent School District. With over 11,000 students in the district, DVISD serves eight communities throughout Southeast Travis County.  

The DVCC worked alongside COTA employees greeting guests from across the area.  This was the first time COTA has hosted a dedicated night for their hill country neighbors.  

Representative Flores donned a University of Texas Santa hat as she rode through Peppermint Parkway. A proud Longhorn, Representative Flores attended UT for her undergraduate degree and law school.  

Representative Flores and COTA’s Director of Public Engagement Carter McCullen pose with a stuffed animal available for purchase in Peppermint Plaza all season long.   

“Having Representative Flores out shows the importance she sees in COTA and what we do not just in our community but throughout the State of Texas,” McCullen said.  

Representative Flores and Roy Woody Jr., a DVCC leader, pose for a photo amidst the fun of Peppermint Parkway.  

“It was so great to host the DVISD and DVCC staff as well as over 4,000 Del Valle community members,” McCullen said. “We can’t thank our neighbors enough for their support over these last 11 years.”