Hill Country business

KVUE's Tom Harris reports

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The City of Marble Falls is hoping a favorite holiday tradition will help it rebound from a struggling economy.

The "Walkway of Lights" -- a holiday display set on the banks of Lake Marble Falls -- draws thousands of visitors each year, and merchants there say they could use the business.

There is little question the Hill Country is beautiful this time of year, but it appears high gas prices and the economy kept a lot of people away.

However now that gas prices are plummeting, many in communities like Marble Falls are feeling a little more optimistic about the tourists returning for the holidays

"We have actually overspent our budgets a little bit on advertising trying to get the word out a little more so we can have a good walkway of light and the community can experience a good little boon of tourist activity as well," said Christian Fletcher, Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Five restaurants have gone out of business in the downtown area since summer. Restaurant owner Russell Buster is still holding on.

"The last couple of months have been very interesting. Certainly we have had some closing in general business has been down. The country is in turmoil," he said.

However, there are some positive signs going on downtown. One of the failed restaurants is already being replaced by a new fine dining establishment.

The Walkway of Lights will be lit up from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night through January 3. There is no cost for admission.