PHOTO GALLERY: The Mall at UTC's first shoppers

Officials estimated 100,000 consumers would visit the mall its opening day, Oct. 16.

Andres Colin performs from a spot on the second level.

Isabelle Santana shops at Aldo.

Jonathan, Rebecca and Xiomara Calle watch a juggler perform.

Nancy Straetmans, a Taubman employee stationed by the stage, claps in delight.

Laura and Joseph Kwapis proudly pose with Scott Kwapis, right, who served as the project architect.

Dennis Malaney visits with Manatee County Commissioner Betsy Benac.

Gina White, Jamie Overmiller, Steve Queior, Melissa Fernands, Brittany Lamont and Sarah Murphy represented the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Suanne White and Erin Shrimpton were the day's first shoppers to use valet parking.

Mark Jenkins plays the steel drum at the mall's main entrance.

Victoria Byrd, Jamon Buie and Savannah Sinclair visit Bath and Body Works.

Jess Maydew whips up coffee drinks for the mall's early bird customers.

Beckham Buchanan plays in the children's play area.

Evan Benderson and Rachel Berkum celebrate the mall's opening.

Shoppers watch the opening ceremony from the second floor.

Apple store employees wave to shoppers who anxiously waiting for the store to open.

Kevin Kinney, Anna Milone and Dennis Madej wait for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Rona Mathura gives Andrea Pastor a makeover at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Crowds line up outside the Apple store.