With the flip of a switch late on Nov. 20, Cliff McHenry saw his staff's hard work come to life.
McHenry, the director of property management at Benderson Development, was standing outside the new Norman Love's Confections at 192 N. Cattleman Road, and he smiled as the huge artificial tree in the Cattlemen Road median came to life, along with lights all up and down the street.
"There is a 6-mile string of data cable," he said about the displays all around the Mall at University Town Center. "There are 90 miles of light cables and power throughout the UTC area. We've worked hard this season."
Animated, choreographed light shows will play at the top and bottom of each hour with six different shows in all. He noted that people could watch the lights for two hours and not see the same display.
Flipping on the lights for the holiday season was a trial run for Santa's Grand Arrival Parade Nov. 23. The preview event also was combined with the opening of Norman Love's Confections, which had a soft opening for business but officially opened Nov. 24.
"I'm over the moon excited," Norman Love said. "We've found the perfect location. It's a tough time to open because Christmas is our busiest time, but I think we're ready. I can't wait to get started."
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The Grinch, played by Chris Cude of Legendary Knights Entertainment of Winter Haven, checks out the holiday lights with Sarasota's Melissa Galmin.
Cliff McHenry, the director of property management at Benderson Development, said more than 90 miles of light and power cables were used to create the holiday light show at UTC.
Norman Love hosted a grand opening event for his Norman Love Confections.
The Grinch, played by Chris Cude of Legendary Knights Entertainment of Winter Haven, dances with East County 6-year-old Mallory Clark.
Norman Love Confections officially opened its new chocolaterie and dessert restaurant at the Mall at UTC.
Norman Loves proves making chocolate is an art.
The holiday light show at the Mall at UTC is open for business.
Morgany Knight of Legendary Knights Entertainment of Winter Haven, greeted guests outside Norman Love Confections.
Cliff McHenry, the director of property management at Benderson Development, said it was a "tough environment" in which to put together the annual light show, but his team got it done.
Tis the season ... for dessert at Norman Love Confections.
Those visiting Norman Love Confections can take a dessert home, or enjoy it right there with a glass of wine.
Norman Love Confections put its artistry on display.
Mark Hicks, the keyholder (supervisor), at Norman Love Confections, shows off a dessert.
It's hard to eat just one at Norman Love Confections.
Norman Love Confections put its artistry on display.
Norman Love addresses guests during his grand opening along with the holiday lights being switched on at the Mall at UTC.
