The Tesoro Cultural Center will continue its southwestern tradition of lighting the farolitos (meaning ‘little lanterns’) to usher in the holiday season and to honor a member of the community who has enlightened the hearts, minds and souls of others. The Tesoro Cultural Center will kick off the holiday season with live musical entertainment, seasonal carols and the lighting of the farolitos. The event honors a member of the community who has enlightened the minds and souls of our community. This year’s honoree is George Sparks, President and CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The Farolito ceremony begins with seasonal carols led by members of the southwestern musicians, complimentary hot spiced apple cider, coffee and biscochito cookies. After a brief ceremony, all guests are invited to join in the traditional pinecone ceremony. Everyone attending the event will place a passed loved one’s name on paper tucked into a pinecone. At the conclusion of the evening, the pinecones are all placed into the courtyard campfire. The resulting sparkles of light and bright fire glide upwards, carrying messages into the sky. The event is free and open to the public. Outside event, dress warmly.

George Sparks, President & CEO at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, received a master's in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT, and a bachelor's in aeronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy. Early in his career, he served as an air force pilot and was an assistant professor of aeronautics at the USAF Academy. From 1979 to 1999 he worked for Hewlett-Packard, eventually becoming general manager of several divisions. From 1999 to 2003, he served as a vice president for Agilent Technologies, a spin-off from Hewlett-Packard. He most recently was a partner at NorthStone Group, a management consulting company in Louisville, Colo.