Light Displays
1
10 Arches and Snowflakes
Overhead
The 10 Arches and Snowflakes welcome visitors to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights each and every year! More than 1,000 bulbs on the arches dance with special effects and light the way for thousands of vehicles to start their mile long drive through Garvin Park. Enjoy!
2
Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights
Right
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 nearly 30 years ago starting with 26 displays. Now with more than 70 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.
3
Trees of Lights
Left
Seven beautiful lighted trees are placed at the end of 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.
4
Penguin Couple
Right
To celebrate the opening of 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.
5
Peeking Santa
Left
Ever watching and making notes, our Peeking Santa keeps a cheerful eye on visitors to the park. Originally placed on the levee wall, this large festive display is situated in front of the gazebo to make sure all children know that Santa is watching!
6
Four Musical Gnomes
Left
The four gnomes playing fiddles, drums, and flutes make holiday music come to life. With their red hats and animated arms, you can almost hear your favorite tune as you drive by these musical creatures.
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.
8
Toy Train & Depot Tower
Right
The train is arriving!! Filled with lots of gifts and holiday goodies, the Toy Train and Depot helps Santa and the elves with deliveries each year. The little red caboose brings up the rear while the tall tower marks the train station.
9
Flying Bears with Balloons and Juggling Bear
Left
Flying bears with balloons and a juggling bear make this long time display a favorite. The bears brings a bit of the circus fun to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. Enjoy these characters as they entertain you!
10
Barnyard Scene
Left
Mooooooo! It’s the Barnyard scene with our pink pig, giant cow, cockadoodle rooster and chicken saying hello to all visitors. The corn is growing taller than the chicken coop, so it must be time for harvest. The animals are bright, colorful and pretty lively even at night.
11
Toy Soldiers and Elves
Left
The holidays bring joy and a lot of hard work. Our busy elves are winding up the toy soldiers to get the job done. The elves are ready to make some more toys and enlist the help of their toy soldiers in the process. Hold that paint can please!
12
Elf Making Snowman
Right
Ever wonder how snowpeople are made? Just ask one of our elves and he’ll get out his magic snow sprayer and show you. Of course, snow melts, and all that’s left is a hat and a couple sticks, so enjoy the cold weather for a while longer and get out there and make a snowperson too!
13
Waving Santa, Silhouette Deer and Snowflakes
Right
It’s jolly old Saint Nick! Santa loves to visit the deer and dancing snowflakes in the park. Wave to him as you drive by. Just make sure no deer come across the road when you are moving. Cupid and Blitzen sometimes like to play with some of our other animated friends in the park.
14
Peace on Earth and Angel Light Panel
Left
Peace on Earth is the hope for everyone and this giant display shares this message with the world. Two beautiful angels declare this message as loudly and proudly as they can. This peaceful display boasts more than 1,700 light bulbs and is one of the largest displays on your drive.
15
Bears Climbing Candy Cane
Right
Mischief in the making is our Candy Cane Bear. Climbing the tall candy cane and swinging his way to the ground makes this display another fun favorite for visitors. Almost 1,000 bulbs are part of this display, but you wouldn’t think so. Much of this display is in the dark as the bear sequences through 10 different bear images as the bear climbs and swings down.
16
Santa Playing Grand Piano
Right
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.
17
Bike Rider
Left
An amazing group of Easterseals supporters, Team 5:15 Cycling, sponsor 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!
18
Rocking Horse
Left
The Toy Rocking Horse is one of only two displays in the park that are motorized so that it rocks back and forth for your delight. Added to the park many years ago, this treasure is a child’s classic and one that will be sitting next to the Christmas tree this year for some lucky boy or girl!
19
Santa Filling Hot Rod
Right
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!
20
Rainbow and Two Doves
Left
A Winter rainbow among the towering trees gives this display a beautiful backdrop. Our flying doves remember with happiness Kevin Grider whose life we celebrate with this amazing display. The rainbow boasts every color and hope for the future.
21
Toy Soldier Spectacular
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Independent Insurance Agents of Evansville
It’s the Toy Soldier Spectacular on display. One of the oldest designs in the park, the three toy soldiers on their stage wave a Happy Holidays to each guest to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights.
22
Hummingbird and Flower
Right
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 remind visitors that the circle of life continues.
23
Wreath Arch with Stars and Packages
Overhead
One of the most recognizable displays in the park is the Wreath Arch with Stars and Packages. As you venture under this gigantic display, it reminds all that opening your hearts during the holiday season is so important. Giving a gift, welcoming new friends, and sharing a meal brings everyone closer together.
24
Santa and Sleigh
Right
Santa and his sleigh will soon be on their way. Rudolph leads the way on this display … note the red nose! We know the other reindeer are resting now, Santa is just getting the young ones up and running for the big event. Watch the legs of the reindeer as they move during their flight.
25
Dragon
Left
We’ve got a dazzling dragon to light up the lake at Garvin Park. His animated tail dances above the water as he shares his excitement for the holiday season. The green bulbs on our dragon are key to making this display shine bright.
26
Fountain and Two Swans
Left
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.
27
Submarine Santa
Left
Periscope up… it’s Submarine Santa! Wave to Santa as he sets sail in his new powerful holiday submarine. The propeller drives this display and keeps Santa afloat as he makes his way to all the houseboats this season.
28
Elf Jockey Racing
Right
In partnership with our Kentucky neighbor, Ellis Park Racing and Gaming, our racehorse is on the run with the Elf Jockey directing his path. This animated horse is shown in three scenes and makes you want to cheer him on to a win.
29
Tinker Bear and Five Toys
Right
Tinker Bear is super busy making toys for the holidays. Whether it’s a rag doll, a rolling duck, cuddly bear, or a ball or drum, this working bear is all business. Watch him hammer on his workbench with the special animation of this wonderful display.
30
Bear on a Ball
Left
It’s all a balancing act for the holidays, but our amazing Balancing Bear on a Ball has this down to a science. Pile those gifts high in the sky and she’ll make sure they don’t touch the ground. This fun display keeps everyone on their toes.
31
Candy Cane Mountain Express
Left
Doesn’t everyone want a Candy Cane Mountain Express in their backyard? Boasting 1,300 light bulbs, the Candy Cane Express train is driving from the North Pole to deliver everything for the holidays! Making its way north, this awesome train brightens the skies with the reds and greens of the season.
32
Elves on Toboggan
Left
They’re at it again. You can never keep the elves off the toboggans when there is new snow. Watch this animated display sparkle as the elves jump on the toboggan and ride down the hill. Whoosh!
33
Santa in Airplane
Right
Sometimes Santa lets the reindeer rest while he hops in his airplane with a giant sack of toys. He has a lot of travels ahead for him and it just makes sense to give the reindeer a breather from time to time. The blue bulbs on this display make it one of the most eye catching displays in the park.
34
Jack in the Box with Toys and Drumming Elephant
Right
Childhood toys always include a Jack-in-the-Box, a twirling top and bouncing ball. Even more, watch the drumming elephant beat the drum as he watches the Jack-in-the-Box pop out!
35
Toy Car Factory
Right
One of the most amazing displays in the park is the Toy Car Factory. Added in 2019, this heavily animated custom design highlights the production of toy cars and other mobile toys. If you are thinking it looks like a Highlander, you might just be right — check out its sponsor, a generous supporter of Easterseals.
36
Santa and Fuel Truck
Right
Santa and his Fuel Truck are making sure the sleigh is powered to go for all the amazing trips around the world. Sponsored in loving memory of Tom Gabe, Heritage Petroleum honors their founder with this exceptional display.
37
Three Dinosaurs and Volcano
Left
Dinosaurs like to celebrate the holidays, too. Watch the falling lava from the exploding volcano as our friendly dinosaurs wander the grounds. Don’t worry about the reindeer, these prehistoric creatures like leaves most of all so Garvin Park is the perfect place to graze.
38
Bear & Penguin on Snowmobile with Four Penguins
Right
This Penguin Party is seeing if they can grab a ride on the snowmobile with Barry Bear! There’s a lot of activity in this display, so watch and maybe you’ll see a fish being caught by Grandpa Penguin!
39
Celebrating the Life of Amara Tucker
Left
Celebrating the Life of Amara Tucker is the focus of this delightful new display to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights in 2021. Amara is seen dancing on a colorful rainbow amid the clouds and twinkling stars, looking happy and friendly to all.
40
Nativity Scene
Left
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.
41
Bears with Child in Wheelchair Decorating Tree
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Honoring the life of Andrew Nash, this memorable light display is a cornerstone for Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights and the mission of Easterseals. Our little boy enjoys decorating the tree with his fabulous bear friends, including topping the tree with a festive star. The display uses a motor to make the animation work.
42
Humpty Dumpty
Left
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall. Thanks to his toy soldier pals and the art of animation, Humpty Dumpty keeps getting back on the wall! This fairytale classic always brings happy memories to mind for those visiting.
43
Lion Painting Gift Box with Elf
Left
Our storage building for all light displays is located on the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades property, very close to Garvin Park. IUPAT DC 91 generously donated the location for the building. In celebration, we honor IUPAT with a festive display showcasing a holiday Lion normally featured in their logo painting a special gift held by a cheerful elf. We thank the painters and glaziers union for their amazing gift to Easterseals!
44
Jack in the Box with Honey Pot and Tumbling Bears
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What is more exciting and somewhat messy is a Jack-in-the-Box and a Tumbling Honey Bear. See as this energetic bear leaps from the Jack-in-the-Box and lands splat into the bowl of honey. We are sure he is quite happy now!
45
Wizard of Oz
Left
Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and of course, the Cowardly Lion showcase this holiday favorite: Wizard of Oz. Check out each character’s animation including Toto’s tail. Lots and lots of orange bulbs are needed for the lion making him a happy, and more courageous figure!
46
NAStruck and Racing Elf
Left
The NAStruck with racing elves is ready for the holidays. A pickup full of toys for every boy and girl is on its way for a racetrack near you! When you need a speedy delivery, our racing NAStruck helps Santa get the packages there just in time.
47
Lion and Lamb with American Flag
Left
One of most patriotic displays is the Lion & Lamb and the giant American Flag. Peace and strength are the goals for so many and we focus the attention on this amazing display each year. Watch as the flag waves in the wind with its animated lights.
48
Bunnies Holding Package and Truck
Left
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!
49
Reindeer House
Left
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.
50
Two Golfers Putting and Flag
Left
It’s each golfer’s dream, a hole in one! Our careful putter makes his shot and you can watch it make it right into the hole. Plus, you always want a witness for your hole-in-one, so we’ve got that covered with our flag man.
51
“Happy Holidays” Pop Up Bear in Box
Left
It’s the Happy Holidays Pop Up Bear! The gift box quickly pops open and there is our special friend ready to wish you a very Happy Holidays! This display is one of our original designs and keeps visitors popping as he keeps surprising all the kids on the drive through the park
52
Reindeer Arch and Elf Feeding Deer
Overhead
The reindeer are in flight and you get to see their first lift off! View the reindeer as she leaps into the air and crosses the street to safety. Our helpful elf makes sure that she gets her evening meal before taking flight so just keep quiet so as not to disturb the feeding.
53
Three Angels with Moon and Stars
Right
The angels are out and about this evening and they are tossing stars and hanging on the moon for fun. They are a gleeful group of angels, so enjoy the antics and lift their spirits with a song.
54
Elves Building House
Left
What better way to get ready for the holidays than to freshen up the house with some new paint and a new roof. Our elves are kept busy with this classic home! Bet you can’t guess who the sponsor of this display is, or maybe you can!
55
Nurse and Teddy Bear
Left
We cherish our caring Nurse as she helps our Teddy Bear patient. Watch as she makes sure his ear is all better and sealed with an amazing smile. We’re excited some healing and tender loving care is featured in this endearing display!
56
Marionette Display and Ticket Taker
Left
It’s time for the show and our Marionette Display 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!
57
Santa Shooting Hoops
Overhead
He’s dribbling the ball and makes his shot! Boom, Santa gets his points and Rudolph keeps score! This long time display overhead is sponsored by Ritzy’s and we couldn’t be more thankful for their generosity. Who knew Santa had skills like this!
58
Honey Bear and Bees
Left
Buzzing bees and mischievous bears are all about getting the honey on this display. The remarkable animation on this display sees circles of lights in multiple colors to make it all appear as those busy bees. What better sponsor could this display have… check it out!
59
Dancing Bear Band
Left
As one of the more animated displays in the park, our three Dancing Bear Band characters are all about the party. Watch them all enjoy the music and keep the rhythm going. They have a full set of holiday classics to sing and dance, so get ready to join in!
60
Snowflake Fountain and Snowflakes
Left
Who hasn’t tried catching a snowflake? Here’s your chance to watch the snowflake fountain and snowflakes moving through the air. This special display has the spirit of the holidays wrapped in its dancing and twinkling bulbs.
61
Carousel
Left
Rotating horses grace this colorful light display. As one of the most beloved displays in the park, our Crystal Carousel brings childhood back into focus and reminds all of the joy and smiles shared among family and friends!
62
Santa Castle
Left
Santa’s Castle rises high in the sky at 32 feet — the tallest display in Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. The flags are waving and all is kept warm and cozy for Santa at the North Pole while he prepares for Christmas. If you look closely, sometimes you can imagine Mrs. Claus peeking out of a window.
63
Victorian Proposal
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As the ultimate place to propose, this Victorian Proposal display is THE location for many to start their engagement. Carriage rides stop here throughout the season when one person asks another to share their life forever. Our sponsor takes these proposals very seriously and wants each one to be very special.
64
Zoo Animals
Left
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!
65
Jeb’s Friends
Right
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!”
66
Riverboat
Left
The riverboat is still sailing in Garvin Park. Watch the flag blow in the wind and the smoke stack pour out some light puffs and you’ve got a very festive riverboat floating down the Ohio. The captain is watching carefully to make sure all is well for the ride!
67
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!
68
Waving Snowman, Packages and Snowflakes
Right
It’s our snowman and all of his giant gifts just waiting to say hello! Wave back to him and start dreaming of those gifts you would like to see under your tree. Maybe its just a white Christmas you want, well, our Snowman has some snowflakes to make it beautiful, too!
69
Santa Playing Softball
Left
Batter up! Santa has to test out the new equipment so he always practices with the elves each season. Watch as Santa tosses the ball and our delightful elf swings and hits a high flyer! A special sequencer is on this display to make sure the ball goes exactly where Santa wants it!
70
Ski Jumping Santa
Left
One of the oldest displays in the park is Ski Jumping Santa. He’s a brave soul as he slides down on his skis and lands perfectly at the bottom of the hill. We’re excited Santa still keeps fit with his skiing, but we would really like to see if he could get Mrs. Claus out on the slopes!
71
Patriotic Arch and 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!