- December 1, 2024
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With the whirl of the helicopter blades adding to an already stiff breeze, aerialist Erendira Wallenda hung hundreds of feet over the Mall at UTC on Saturday, providing thrills to the thousands below.
And as she hung upside down from a metal ring, more than a few hearts had to be beating faster, hoping for a safe landing in the lead-up to the Santa's Grand Arrival Parade at the Mall at UTC on Nov. 9 in Sarasota.
With Wallenda safely inside, and her husband, Nik Wallenda, waving from the door of the helicopter, the 50-foot Christmas tree on Cattlemen Drive was lit, and the holiday season had officially begun.
The parade followed with floats, musicians and dancers lighting up the faces of the children in attendance. The parade was capped by a fireworks show and a concert from pop and country singer Cassadee Pope.