For the 85th year, the National Christmas Tree lighting kicked off holiday festivities in Washington, D.C. This time lighting designer Stefan DeWilde deployed a grandMA to control the lighting for the ceremony, which is broadcast coast-to-coast and is believed to be the biggest annually-televised Christmas show. A.C.T Lighting is the exclusive distributor of the grandMA in North America.
The tree-lighting ceremony took place on December 4 in the President's Park on the Ellipse just south of the White House. The living Colorado blue spruce is covered in glowing strings of gold lights and topped by a star. It will remain illuminated through January 1.
"I've lit the show for four years and used another console in the past," says DeWilde. "This year, Silver Spring-based Atmosphere Inc. supplied two grandMAs at my suggestion. I love them and use them anywhere I can because they're exceptionally reliable and extremely versatile. I really need to count on the console for this show: There are no other lights in the venue other than those controlled from the console. If, for some reason, the lights went out it would be nightmare for the Secret Service, and would compromise the President's safety. So it's extremely important to have a reliable console."
The National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony features high-profile performers, a military band and a message from the President. It is attended by members of Congress as well as hundreds of visitors and residents of the capital. "I light the White House facade and grounds and the musical production staged around the tree lighting," DeWilde points out. "This year we had Grammy winner Jon Secada, country music star, Rissi Palmer, The United States Army Band, and even Santa came out to do a little number. The President delivered his speech then everyone sang Christmas carols."
The lighting designer "can't say enough" about the grandMA's performance. "The operating system is solid and brilliant. I love the layouts, and the user interface is amazing. Plus grandMA's options are endless, like networking, multitasking, syntax. It's worth every penny!"
Once the tree lighting is over seasonal activities continue on the Ellipse where a Yule log, large-scale model train and a new Santa's Workshop attract holiday crowds. A nightly music program showcases choirs and dancers.
"While the White House venue is special, Stefan is a very talented designer who we have worked with him in other prestigious venues. He dips deep into the feature set, and his exceptional work is further enhanced by his understanding of the grandMa system," comments A.C.T Lighting President and CEO, Bob Gordon.
About A.C.T Lighting
A leading importer and distributor of lighting products, A.C.T Lighting, Inc. strives to identify future trends and cutting-edge products, and stock, sell and support their inventory. The company provides superior customer service and value for money to all of its clients. For more information call 818-707-0884 or visit www.actlighting.com.