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Circle Members flip the switch with the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Lights in Bloom Circle Member Preview was held Dec. 18 at the gardens.


  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 7:00 p.m. December 18, 2018
  • Black Tie
  • Share

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens flipped the switch on its 2 million count light display Dec. 18.

Circle Members gathered in the gardens to see the lights turn on for the first time this year. This is the 15th year the gardens has done its light display. 

The lights will be open to the public for 15 days, starting Dec. 20 and ending Jan. 6. 

Mike Wilson, Executive Director Jennifer Rominiecki, Linda Carson and Bob Harrigan
Mike Wilson, Executive Director Jennifer Rominiecki, Linda Carson and Bob Harrigan
The light displays go out to the front of the entrance.
The light displays go out to the front of the entrance.
Lights welcome guests to the gardens.
Lights welcome guests to the gardens.
Rob and Jennifer Rominiecki
Rob and Jennifer Rominiecki
The switch turned all 2 million lights on.
The switch turned all 2 million lights on.
Guests enjoyed appetizers and desserts while they waited for the lights to turn on.
Guests enjoyed appetizers and desserts while they waited for the lights to turn on.
The Sarasota Concert Band played during the evening.
The Sarasota Concert Band played during the evening.
Susan Barnhill and Rose Marie Bowles
Susan Barnhill and Rose Marie Bowles
Hugh Bettendorf, Allison Archibold and Sylvia Barber
Hugh Bettendorf, Allison Archibold and Sylvia Barber
Katelyn Pforzheimer with Nikolina and Natalie Shupe
Katelyn Pforzheimer with Nikolina and Natalie Shupe
Tom and Katie Cornell
Tom and Katie Cornell
Flamingos decorate parts of the garden.
Flamingos decorate parts of the garden.
Deb Kabinoff, Margaret Wise and Hermione Gilpin
Deb Kabinoff, Margaret Wise and Hermione Gilpin
Jessica Swift, Mike McLaughlin and Cornelia Matson
Jessica Swift, Mike McLaughlin and Cornelia Matson
Kelly Collins, Crystal Lahriers and Emily Lane
Kelly Collins, Crystal Lahriers and Emily Lane
Cheryl Robertson, Teri A. Hansen and Wendy Deming
Cheryl Robertson, Teri A. Hansen and Wendy Deming
Chuck and Margie Barancik
Chuck and Margie Barancik
Mike Wilson welcomes the 190 guests to Lights in Bloom.
Mike Wilson welcomes the 190 guests to Lights in Bloom.
Executive Director Jennifer Rominiecki tells guests facts about the light display.
Executive Director Jennifer Rominiecki tells guests facts about the light display.
Circle Members and other special guests gathered around to see the first lighting.
Circle Members and other special guests gathered around to see the first lighting.
Jamie and Bob Kahns
Jamie and Bob Kahns
The light tunnel is shaped like a bug.
The light tunnel is shaped like a bug.
Peacocks, flamingos and butterflies are lit up around the grounds.
Peacocks, flamingos and butterflies are lit up around the grounds.
A Christmas tree is lit up near the entrance.
A Christmas tree is lit up near the entrance.

 

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