Descriptions & Sponsors
Andy, Elf in the Park
Andy, Elf in the Park has returned from the North Pole and it’s your turn to tell us where he is somewhere in the park each week. He will be changing locations throughout the season so you’ll want to come back to find him on your next trip. Your efforts will be rewarded by entering our contest to find Andy. You might win Showplace movie tickets, a $50 gift VISA gift card from Liberty Federal, a $50 gift card from Ritzy’s, Tickets to an Evansville Thunderbolts game or enjoy some exuberant jumping time at Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Please see our separate page for Andy for more details. In the meantime, keep your eyes open and start looking for this festive and mischievous elf. You just never know where he’s going to show up next.
TAKE A PHOTO at the Snowflake Arch and 2 TOYS – YOU MUST be PARKED in the parking lot for this feature.
LOCATED near Carriage area
Enter the Bosse Field parking lot on Heidelbach Avenue, park your car and take a quick photo under our new Snowflake Arch. Sponsored by Berry Global, this new Photo Op is great for taking a snapshot of your time at Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. Be careful of guidewires as you step under the arch.
Please DO NOT stop along the drive-through route to take a photo. You MUST be parked in the parking lot and walk over to the arch. The arch faces the baseball stadium, Bosse Field.
Christmas Elves & Deer with Christmas Tree
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The elves from IBEW Local 16, JATC and NECA are here to celebrate the opening of Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. From the beautifully decorated trees to the friendly reindeer, Garvin Park will be a celebration of the holidays for everyone! Look at this first display with every light and ornament in place! Thank you to the Power of 3: IBEW Local 16, JATC and NECA! Easterseals is so grateful for the expertise and generosity of the Power of 3 for helping to raise therapy funds for children and adults with disabilities. Since the beginning, these wonderful men and women have raised more than $4.5 million dollars for those in need!
Girl Elf on Ladder Decorating Tree
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From the tallest light display to the smallest light bulb, the Power of 3: IBEW Local 16, JATC and NECA, are constantly keeping the lights on. It is definitely a team effort and Easterseals is so thankful for their talent and expertise.
Boy & Girl Elves Tossing Ornaments
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It’s almost like the men and women of IBEW Local 16, JATC and NECA have magical juggling skills every time Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights appears each year. One day the lights are safely in storage and the next day, the electricity is turned on and it’s the holiday season in full bloom! Actually, it IS magical!!
Electrician Elves Tossing Star
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The electrician elves are getting the stars on tops of the trees and turning on the lights! You wouldn’t believe the number of cords and light bulbs it takes to make an entire park sparkle so brightly!
Deer & Elf Placing Ornaments
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Even the reindeer get to work at Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights every year. We know a certain electrician loves cats more than anything, yet Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights looks to Rudolph and his vast network of reindeer to get Santa’s workload done each year!
Boy Elf on Ladder & Electrician Girl Elf
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It takes lots of lifts, bucket trucks, ladders and electrical cords to get more than 80 light displays powered up! Enjoy your ride through Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights tonight!
Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights
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It’s our new Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights logo light display! We’re celebrating 31 years and we want to shine bright and keep the magic of the holidays glistening! Our title sponsor, Ritzy’s Luxury Grill & Ice Creams, is the driving force behind Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. Andy Guagenti, founder of Ritzy’s, brought the idea of a light display event to Evansville starting with 26 displays. Now with more than 80 displays, Ritzy’s continues to be an exceptional supporter of Easterseals and generously donates time and financial support. Plus, annually Ritzy’s provides lunches to our IBEW/JATC/NECA/Teamsters/Operating Engineer volunteers during set-up and tear down days…that’s more than 9,650 meals since 1994.
Trees of Lights
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Seven beautiful lighted trees are placed at the end of North Main Street as the starting point for your drive. Each tree sequences separately allowing a brilliant array of color and twinkling lights. This intricate display boasts thousands of bulbs and the tallest tree is more than 20 feet tall.
Penguin Couple
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To celebrate the Penguins of Patagonia exhibit at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, this display features a penguin couple. The couple was added in 2019 in anticipation of welcoming the real live penguins that arrived at the zoo in October 2021.
Nutcracker Mice
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The wonderful story of the Nutcracker is illustrated in this new display with a whimsical twist of the tale…all of our characters are mice! From the precious gift of the Nutcracker and the impending stroke of midnight on the grandfather clock, to the sword fight with the notorious Rat King, the scenes of this special story are unveiled. We see the celebration of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince dancing their way through the snow covered hills of the Land of Sweets and our mice soldiers stand guard to keep all safe and happy. The dazzling Nutcracker story comes to life in this exquisite and delightful display. Sponsored by a generous friends of Easterseals, RodentPro is headquartered right here in Evansville, IN.
Four Musical Gnomes
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Salute our two toy soldiers as you drive by these tall displays. Each stands on either side of the street and welcomes visitors to enjoy the dozens of displays throughout the park.
Toy Train & Depot Tower
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Flying Bears with Balloons and Juggling Bear
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Flying bears with balloons and a juggling bear make this long time display a favorite. The bears bring a bit of the circus fun to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. Enjoy these characters as they entertain you!
Barnyard Scene
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Toy Soldiers and Elves
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Elf Making Snowman
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Waving Santa, Silhouette Deer and Snowflakes
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Peace on Earth and Angel Light Panel
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Bears Climbing Candy Cane
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Santa Playing Grand Piano
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Santa is playing the 12 days of Christmas at his grand piano! He is a marvelous musician and if you start singing now, you’ll finish the song by the end of your drive! This display brightens the night sky each evening.
Bike Rider
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An amazing group of Easterseals supporters, Team 5:15 Cycling, sponsors this energetic display. Why 5:15, you ask? They bike at 5:15 AM and get their miles in early so they can partake in some delicious holiday meals and desserts!
Elf Washing Deer
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Who doesn’t love a bubble bath and getting all wrapped up in a blanket for a nighttime story. This elf is ready to make his reindeer sparkling clean and get the hot chocolate ready for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas!
Santa Filling Hot Rod
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Santa is getting ready for the holidays and he’s making sure his tank is filled before he stops by for Mrs. Claus to join him. Just look at that hot rod – it’s one of Santa’s favorites!
Rainbow and Two Doves
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Reindeer & Elf Forklift Tree Topper
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The IUOE Local 181 Operating Engineers spend hours and hours each year helping with set up and tear down on all of the displays in Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. We thank them so much for their generous spirit. With this display, IUOE Local 181 steadfastly makes sure the star makes it to the top of the tree for the holidays using their trusty forklift. Can you hear it beeping as they get it into position to get it just right and shining bright? Oh, it’s perfect!
Snow People Choosing Tree
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It’s that time of the year to find the absolute best Christmas tree. The snowman and snowwoman are delighted with their choice as they drive by in their shiny red truck and wave at their pal. It’s no wonder Expressway Auto chose this cheerful light display with its spinning wheels and friendly companions. It’s always a terrific time when selecting the best tree as well as driving the roads to see all the beautiful holiday lights. Hey, tell the family and your friends and share the joy of Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights with them!
Hummingbird and Flower
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Even when there is a chill in the air, we like to celebrate spring and summer. The Hummingbird and Flower promises the sunshine and warmth for next year and reminds visitors that the circle of life continues.
Drone
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New in 2024, we have the perfect addition to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights with our very own drone lighting the night sky! Sponsored by the area’s spectacular video producer, Evansville Aerial, the giant drone dazzles with lights in an amazing 3D light display. Watch as the blinking lights start alerting Santa’s sleigh where to deliver those gifts!
Santa and Sleigh
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Dragon
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Fountain and Two Swans
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Peaceful swans are floating near the twinkling fountain down by the lake. The display is animated with the swans’ wings as well as the twinkling lights on the fountain illustrating moving water.
Submarine Santa
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Elf Jockey Racing
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Reindeer Soda Shoppe
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Independent Insurance Agents of Evansville
Love is in the air at the Reindeer Soda Shoppe where our two deer friends are sharing their soda and gazing at each other. With animation in the straw, you can almost taste the delicious drink while smiling at these sweet friends.
Bear on a Ball
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Candy Cane Mountain Express
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Elves on Toboggan
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Santa in Airplane
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Jack in the Box with Toys and Drumming Elephant
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Watch as the Jack-in-the-Box pops out as you drive by! This classic set of toys is a favorite. Plus, if you listen, you’ll hear the elephant drumming the Little Drummer Boy oh so sweetly! Enjoy!
Penguin Snowball Toss
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Watch out or you’re going to get bonked on the head. Oops, it happened again. Our penguin duo are special friends, but they certainly don’t want to miss having a snowball fight whenever they have a chance. Don’t worry, they will be forever friends no matter how many times that snowball lands. Our friends at Shepherd Insurance are new to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights this year and we welcome them with open arms – and maybe even a friendly snowball if we get a chance! Thank you for your wonderful support of Easterseals.
Toy Car Factory
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Santa and Fuel Truck
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Three Dinosaurs and Volcano
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Bear & Penguin on Snowmobile with Four Penguins
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Celebrating the Life of Amara Tucker
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Celebrating the Life of Amara Tucker is the focus of this delightful display. Amara is seen dancing on a colorful rainbow amid the clouds and twinkling stars, looking happy and friendly to all.