University Town Center delivers parade thrills under the wire in Sarasota

Nokomis' Paul Voloshen had an interesting volunteer job at the Santa's Grand Arrival Parade Nov. 8 at University Town Center in Sarasota.

While high-wire artist Nik Wallenda and his sister, Lijana Wallenda, attempted a new feat — a criss cross lighting of UTC's holiday lights high above the crowd of thousands — Voloshen was told just to hold tight along with about 10 other volunteers doing the same job.

Voloshen's rope was tied into the network of wires that the Wallenda siblings were walking. On a calm November evening, Voloshen's task was easy.

"I wasn't worried," Voloshen said.

Still, the Wallendas were 180 feet up and Nik had to step over Lijana where the two wires crossed. Adding drama to the moment, it was Lijana’s first performance in Sarasota since she fell 40 feet and was seriously injured during a 2017 rehearsal for a human pyramid trick.

The trick went perfectly. So what was Voloshen's award?

"I wanted to be part of history," he said.

An estimated crowd of near 20,000 enjoyed another chapter of the Santa's Grand Arrival Parade. The event started with a tribute to veterans, followed by the Wallendas, and then the parade.

A 15-minute fireworks show thrilled the crowd after the parade ended, and then the We The Kings rock group capped the night with a concert.