See the displays at this year's Lights in Bloom

Despite the challenges posed by two major hurricanes, flowers and holiday lights are still in bloom at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 

During a Wednesday evening preview event, attendees had the chance to explore the display Lights in Bloom, which opens to visitors Friday. 

Created by Phil and Carolyn Babas of the Bradenton company Affairs in the Air, Lights in Bloom has previously been ranked by USA Today as one of the nation's best botanical garden holiday light shows. 

"This year, our team had the herculean effort of installing Lights in Bloom in the wake of two major hurricanes," Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Selby Gardens, told crowds. "On behalf of the board, we are so thrilled that our entire Downtown Sarasota Campus has reopened and will be aglow shortly with two million lights."

Performing the honors by flipping the large switch was Aria Grove, 7, a student at Alta Vista Elementary School. She was joined by her mother Cecelia Grove, a graduate of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County's 2Gen program. 

The foundation collaborates with Selby Gardens for the Family Togetherness program, allowing families who would not otherwise have the chance to do so, the opportunity to visit the site. 

"It brings access to all families to enjoy the magic of the holidays in this very special place," said Michelle Croft, director of community impact at the foundation.