Brandano packs holiday dazzle into Light Spectacular show at Cape Henlopen State Park

There's nothing quite like the anticipation of the holidays just around the corner. No one knows that better than John Brandano, the creative force behind the more than 60 larger-than-life, over-the-top light displays that will illuminate Cape Henlopen State Park beginning Saturday, Nov. 19.

"There was no debating the name Light Spectacular," says Josh Grapski, spokesperson for Winter Wonderfest, Sussex County's new attraction designed to create lasting holiday memories. This appeals to both residents and visitors at the Delaware Beaches. "It's spectacular in every sense!"

"We're well on our way to building a much brighter future for Sussex County," says Grapski, one of the organizers for nonprofit Festival of Lights, Inc., who explains that funds raised from Winter Wonderfest are committed to supporting a variety of needs within Sussex County.

And it's the Light Spectacular's dazzling light show that is expected to bring thousands of visitors from all over the state, and beyond. Known throughout the country for innovation and creativity, Brandano Displays, Inc. entertains spectators all along the East Coast as well as California, Washington state, Texas and the midwest. "We began in 1976, and have grown to serve over 2,000 clients in the U.S.," explains Brandano, who says the Lewes community is especially unique. "I've never seen such wonderful engagement and enthusiasm as you have here. Organizers, volunteers, generous sponsors, even government officials - all coming together to make this a reality. They show great pride in their community."

Traditionally, holiday light attractions were centered on hundreds of thousands of lights intertwined into foliage and trees. However, Brandano's integrated displays are actually metal sculptures that are outlined with lights which have resulted in reduced tree lighting by approximately 75 percent. Visitors touring the two-mile Light Spectacular in the park will notice a more bolder, impactful presentation as the festive designs light up the night. What they don't know is that these displays employ 60 percent fewer lights. Brandano also explains that these two-dimensional objects owe their 3-D sculptural impression to his design team, many of whom have impressive resumes from the fashion design industry.

That may explain the imaginative use of colors and shapes. Festive, whimsical and fun. "It's the designers' initial illustration that guides the creative production process," says Brandano. But make no mistake, it's his own lighting prowess that brings the installations to life. Most bulbs are energy-efficient LED lights which when set against the night sky, create the sparkling colors - a kaleidoscope of festive hues that capture the magic of the holidays.

In 1987 Brandano's company, based in Syracuse, N.Y., expanded to become more than a holiday decorating business which had been serving cities, small towns, commercial complexes and enclosed shopping malls. By designing and fabricating their own product, Brandano Displays flourished into a successful distributorship noted for its creativity, and reliability. In doing so, the company continued evolving into an eco-minded business with a mission to respect and protect the environment.

"I guess you could say we were ahead of the times," notes Brandano, who says that even his high efficiency bulbs are spaced to use less power per display. An admitted lover of all things Christmas, he says that his team has even eliminated packaging waste, and concentrates on complete truckload deliveries. Furthermore, Brandano's unique painting and welding processes minimize pollutants and disposable production waste. Without exception, production paper, cardboard, plastics and metal waste are recycled.

But do the droves of children who are enthralled by Brandano's displays really care about these eco-minded company commitments? "Some day they will," says Brandano with a smile. "But for right now, it's a moment in time they'll remember for years to come," he adds, remarking that it's the car loads of laughter and the wide-eyed amazement that fuel the warmth of family togetherness. "It's definitely a must-do experience!"

Peter Briccotto, producer for Winter Wonderfest, points out that Brandano's Light Spectacular two-mile tour is only just part of the fun for visitors. "When you finish the show, we have an entire Christmas Village to entertain our visitors. It's just a mile away at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, with plenty of free parking. The entire experience makes for an unforgettable outing for families and friends of any age!" Briccotto says the Christmas Village has carnival rides, including a full scale Ferris Wheel, live entertainment, a special iRink for skaters, a s'mores fire pit, plus Santa's Workshop, and a chance to meet St. Nick in person. Hungry? The On The Rocks restaurant will be open during the Christmas Village hours.

The Winter Wonderfest events will run through Jan. 1 with free parking for everyone visiting the Christmas Village at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. Online Advance purchase prices for admission are $15 per car (one to seven passengers), $30 per van (eight-20 passengers, and $50 per bus.

Winter Wonderfest ticket information and schedules for both the Light Fantastic and the Christmas Village are online at www.Wonderfestde.org.