WRAL-TV Tower Nominated For Appearance Award

The WRAL Television tower, located at the corner of Western Blvd. and Avent Ferry Rd. in Raleigh, NC was nominated for the Community Appearance Honor Roll Award by the Raleigh Citizens Advisory Committee. Each year, the citizens of Raleigh are invited to submit nominations for what they feel enhances the appearance of Raleigh. All nominees and winners will be invited to a reception at City Hall on May 17, 2000 for refreshments and an awards ceremony.

The WRAL TV relay tower was first lit back in the 1950’s. It brought traffic to a standstill that night and still continues to draw a crowd. People will go out of their way to see the lights and attend the lighting ceremony held at dusk each year on the first of December. This tradition, which has lasted more than 40 years, still commemorates the holiday season.

The original tower had to be moved in 1999 because of renovations to the WRAL studio. The new 300 ft. tower was placed only a few hundred yards away. Like its predecessor, the new television relay tower has over 2,100 colored lights on the tower to keep it glowing throughout the holiday season. Three five foot stars adorn the top.