Chocolate factory’s cactus garden lights a beacon for holiday cheer

By Aida Ahmed

Published Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 | 11:01 a.m.

Updated Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 | 11:21 a.m.

The man in charge of decorating Ethel M Chocolates’ holiday cactus garden is aiming to make this year’s garden better than ever.

“Each year it grows a little bit more and a little bit more,” said Steve Bowdoin. “You get to walk the whole property this year. That’s going to be really special this year.”

The 18th annual display officially launches Tuesday, Nov. 15, with face painting, balloon artists and live performances.

Bowdoin, who has been decorating the cactus garden for four years, and his team of four helpers have been in decorating mode since Sept. 10. They laid out the lights and starting stringing the cacti in the beginning of October.

By the first week of November the inflatable penguins, Santa and the other holiday characters were being set up.

One of the last details Bowdoin needs to get ready is a secret gazebo that Santa Claus will visit regularly starting Tuesday.

Bowdoin and his team have strung about 500,000 lights this year, adding up to almost 12 miles of electrical cord.

“No wonder it takes us about four days to bury it all down when we’re done,” said Bowdoin. “It’s amazing. The range of colors is really cool during the night time”

Tickets are required for Tuesday’s kickoff. There is no charge, but space is limited. Guests are encouraged to bring one new, unwrapped toy to the Ethel M Factory in exchange for a four-pack of tickets. Toys will be donated to the annual KLUC Toy Drive. Hot chocolate and bottled water will be on sale, with all proceeds going to a local charity.

Comedian George Wallace will emcee the event, which includes performances by Human Nature and Zowie Bowie with music from Schofield Middle School and Coronado High School.

The garden will be open free of charge Nov. 16 through Jan. 1. at Two Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson. For more information visit the Ethel M website.