Light Displays
Andy, Elf in the Park
New in 2023, Andy, Elf in the Park, is here for you to find somewhere in the park. He will be changing locations throughout the season so you’ll want to come back for another hunt to find him on your next trip. Your efforts will be rewarded by entering our contest to find Andy. 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 – 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 Rodent Pro, 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 Bosse Field.
10 Arches and Snowflakes
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Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights
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NEW for 2023 is our brand new Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights logo light display! We’re celebrating 30 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 9,350 meals since 1994.
Ticket Booths
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We’ve added a second ticket booth this year to allow our visitors to enter the event more quickly and conveniently. Along with our sponsor, Home Depot, who provided all building materials, and the hard work of a very talented Easterseals supporter, Stan Wheeler, who built both booths, our admission gate personnel are happy to greet you on your drive to see the more than 80 displays in this year’s Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights.
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!
Rocking Horse
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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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We’re excited that IUOE Local 181 has become a new sponsor this year with this very appropriate display. The 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. In regard to our Reindeer and Elf, they are steadfastly making 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, bring 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.
Wreath Arch with Stars and Packages
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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. Our friends at the Independent Insurance Agents of Evansville have updated their light display this year and we’re so happy they choose to visit the soda fountain!
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 toy is a favorite. We’re delighted our sponsor, Sterling United Federal Credit Union, added even more toys to this display this year. Plus, if you listen, you’ll hear the elephant drumming the Little Drummer Boy oh so sweetly! Enjoy!
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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Bears with Child in Wheelchair Decorating Tree
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Humpty Dumpty
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Lion Painting Gift Box with Elf
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Jack in the Box with Honey Pot and Tumbling Bears
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Wizard of Oz
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NAStruck and Racing Elf
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Lion and Lamb with American Flag
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Bunnies Holding Package and Truck
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The bunnies are on track to deliver gifts to one and all! Animated gifts bounce their way from the holiday truck to our friendly bunny in charge as he waves to you. If you are possibly thinking Bunny Bread, you’re right, check out the generous sponsor!
Reindeer House
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Hey kids, check out the new house for our reindeer! Smiling from antler to antler, our reindeer enjoy pleasant evenings under the protective roof of their new house waiting for Christmas to arrive each and every year.
Two Golfers Putting and Flag
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Our golfers are enjoying a brisk day of golf on the course. Watch as the ball is hit and rolls into the hole. Great job! Now onto the next 17 holes!
“Happy Holidays” Pop Up Bear in Box
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Reindeer Arch and Elf Feeding Deer
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Three Angels with Moon and Stars
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Elves Building House
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Nurse and Teddy Bear
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Elf Ski Jumping
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Today’s Risk Takers are Tomorrow’s Change Makers! As the motto for the McCutchanville Elementary School Mustangs, our energetic Elf takes a risk with his ski jumping talents and then lands with amazing precision! We are excited to welcome the Mustangs to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights!
Marionette and Ticket Taker
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It’s time for the show and our Marionette is already getting things in motion. You’ll need a ticket from our bear so you can watch the puppets, so don’t delay. Make sure you get a great seat!
Santa Tossing Scoops
Overhead
It’s official, Santa has switched from basketball to tossing ice cream this year. For decades, Santa Shooting Hoops was Ritzy’s signature light display. Due to some wear and tear and a need for replacement, the updated display couldn’t be more perfect for Ritzy’s. Watch as the scoops of ice cream land perfectly in the cone. Santa still has it and he’s going for a triple. Oh, and don’t forget a cheeseburger and fries – this is making us hungry! Thank you to Ritzy’s, our very generous title sponsor and incredible friend of Easterseals!
Honey Bear and Bees
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Dancing Bear Band
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Snowflake Fountain and Snowflakes
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Crystal Carousel
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Nativity Scene
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Donated in 2021 to Easterseals by the Dream Center of Evansville, our new Nativity scene gathers 12 different characters and celebrates the holiday season with peace and love.
Sliding Penguin on Igloo
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Victorian Proposal
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Zoo Animals
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The animals are on the loose and we’ve got to catch them. Actually, this is their hill in the park and they are just fine! Can you count 12 different characters, some with animation and others towering over their smaller friends? This displays started with just a handful of animals, but has grown through the years to the delight of many!
Jeb’s Friends
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We celebrate the life of Jeb Nicholas Gourley with this special display. Jeb was “all boy” and loved playing outside. If there was a frog or turtle in sight, he wouldn’t hesitate to scoop it up or maybe even stick it in his pocket. He could also make the BEST humpback whale sound, ever! So, it’s only fitting the trio are forever illuminated. We wish everyone the wonder and magic of this holiday season!
Riverboat
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In Honor Displays
Snow Angel in Memory of Mason Lee Mileham
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Our Snow Angel is in memory of a joyful little boy, Mason Lee Mileham. Mason was an energetic boy who loved his family and enjoyed having fun! Having passed away at age 6 on April 19, 2022, Mason will always be in the hearts and minds of his family and friends. His Grandfather, John Rohlman, has shared his love of Mason with this beautiful display and knows Mason is his Angel.
Elf Painting Ornament Honoring Dennis Rowe
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Dennis Rowe was a passionate and accomplished artist as well as a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. His wife Kathy is honoring Dennis with our artist Elf who is painting this delicate ornament with care. Dennis painted Evansville landmarks and other locales and loved to travel. His love for his wife Kathy, his children Todd (Shenae) and Matt (Ben) and very much for his grandchildren, Elorie and Ethan, was what made his art and life so exceptional.
Toasty Snowman Honoring the Engelbrecht Family
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The Evansville community is blessed with the many gifts The Engelbrecht Family have shared with the Tri-State. J.P. Engelbrecht honors his family with this very entertaining and warm snowman! With their current ownership of South Central Incorporated and past ownership of South Central Communications, it is only fitting that our Snowman is getting ready for some holiday entertainment and a bit of festive cheer as he warms himself by the fire.
Christmas Tree in Memory of Reagan Burge
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Reagan Burge is dear to the heart of her grandmother, Maria Bayer, and to all of her family. The Christmas Tree is here to honor Reagan’s memory. We celebrate the holiday season with the Tri-State and hope everyone stays close to family and friends! From the colorful bulbs to the glistening star on top, our Christmas Tree is ready to shine and bring a smile to each visitor’s face.
Boy Dare in Memory of Scott Guzzo
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One of the best moments in a holiday movie is the dare to touch one’s tongue on a pole in the very cold outdoors. Our boy has taken that dare and seems to be stuck! Paula and Bob Guzzo are sharing this classic scene in memory of their amazing son, Scott Guzzo. The movie was one of Scott’s favorites and he laughed and enjoyed this scene each time it came on screen. Scott had a big and wonderful personality and was bigger-than-life in every social setting. He loved to travel, listen to music and was very proud of his long list of celebrities that he met in his very active 39 years.
Gingerbread People with Candy and Gumdrop Trees
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Can you smell the sweet gingerbread cookies as they come out of the oven? Mmmmm… so good! Our gingerbread people and their life size candy lollipops and gumdrop trees are just the perfect holiday treat. The display, located now along the far end of the lake in Garvin Park, gives our gingerbread people a great view of all the Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights displays. Enjoy!
Waving Snowman, Packages and Snowflakes
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Santa Playing Softball
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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.
Happy New Year Stork & Baby
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Drone
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Patriotic Arch & American Flag
Overhead
Powered by solar power, the Patriotic Arch with the American Flag is our celebration of America. Sponsored by IBEW Local 16, NECA and Electrical JATC, this wonderful display completes your drive through Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. We thank these absolutely amazing sponsors for all of their expertise and long hours of volunteering to make Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights possible. Without the generous support of hundreds of electricians, this event would not be possible. We salute IBEW Local 16, NECA and Electrical JATC for their commitment to Easterseals and the community! Happy Holidays!