- November 5, 2024
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For Santa, negotiating a wire that runs from the top of a Christmas tree to a neighboring building is no big deal, even if his sled approaches and the wire is a bit higher than he expected.
He just pulls back on the reins, and tells Rudolph to lead the team a bit higher.
That wasn't quite the case last year when high-wire acrobat extraordinaire Nik Wallenda had to deal with slightly different dimensions when it came time to walk the wire to light the Mall at UTC's big Christmas tree along the Santa's Grand Arrival Parade route with thousands of people watching.
Knowing his life is on the line during the tree-lighting walk, as well as all his stunts, Wallenda meticulously plans each step.
But if one end of the wire is attached a little higher or lower than expected, it can change the degree of elevation he is walking or can put him closer to the tree than expected. If the tree is closer or farther away, it can affect what he needs to do with his balancing pole.
"We had elevation issues," Wallenda said of his 2023 tree-lighting walk at UTC. "We had to get around that tree with the balancing pole."
Silence fell over the crowd, which collectively held its breath as Wallenda slowly turned his body, working the long pole around the tree. And when those lights on the tree came alive, the crowd erupted in applause.
Despite the added challenge, Wallenda never considered cancelling the walk, which was the highlight of last year's parade, or turning back.
"I've crossed Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon and I've done the Macy's Day Parade (in New York) 13 times, but there always is something special about performing in your hometown," Wallenda said.
But he admitted it felt good to take his last step off the wire last year and then wave to the crowd.
"There is always a sigh of relief when you get to the other side safely," he said.
There will be two sighs of relief this year if Wallenda performs his stunt successfully at the Santa's Grand Arrival Parade on Nov. 9. His wife Erendira will perform on the wire with him. This year's tree-lighting event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The tree is located on North Cattlemen Road, on the traffic circle adjacent to UTC's The Green.
The first light show of the season begins at 6:15 p.m. followed by the start of Santa's Grand Arrival Parade at 6:30 p.m. After the hour-long parade, a fireworks show begins at 7:30 p.m. and the Cassadee Pope concert kicks off at 8 p.m.
The parade route begins and ends at the traffic circle where North Cattlemen Road meets DeSoto Road and Mall Ring Road and moves to the traffic circle near The Green before heading back in the other direction.
Free parking is available in the mall parking lots, at Nathan Benderson Park, and in a lot south of Homewood Suites.
A special veterans tribute is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. along the parade route. The parade will feature more than 50 floats, marching bands and dance troops, along with a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Pope, whose hometown is West Palm Beach, was the Season 3 winner of "The Voice." Her duet with Chris Young "Think of You" was Grammy-nominated.
Wallenda will have more local appearances after the parade. For the second consecutive year, his "Wonderland" show will be offered under the big top at UTC, this time with a show called "Illuminate" that will offer shows from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5.
The Wonderland show is billed as a production that "will take audiences on a heartwarming and visually stunning journey that brings together the enchantment of the winter holidays and their unique traditions."
The show features Wallenda along with Johnny Rockett and Ty McFarlan, along with other circus artists.
"This will be a brand new show (as compared to last year)," Wallenda said. "It's a new storyline."
Last year's show was so popular that Wallenda had to expand his original schedule of 38 shows to 50.
"In the end, people want to see something different," Wallenda said. "But it features many of the same key personnel.
"It is going to be about unity, and combining all our cultures to come together for the common good."
Wallenda is happy to spending the holidays in front of hometown crowds.
"It is such an honor and an incredible feeling to perform for your hometown," he said. "This isn't just a circus. There is more to it. I think people will leave these shows inspired."
