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Light Displays

1

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.

2

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.

3

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!

4

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!

5

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!!

6

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!  

7

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.

8

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!

9

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.

10

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.

11

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.

12

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.

13

Four Musical Gnomes

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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.
14

Two Toy Soldiers

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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.

15

Toy Train & Depot Tower

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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.
16

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!

17

Barnyard Scene

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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.
18

Toy Soldiers and Elves

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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!
19

Elf Making Snowman

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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!
20

Waving Santa, Silhouette Deer and Snowflakes

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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.
21

Peace on Earth and Angel Light Panel

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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.
22

Bears Climbing Candy Cane

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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.
23

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.

24

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!

25

Reindeer Treadmill Trainer

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Rudolph is getting in shape for the big ride around the world with Santa. You wouldn’t believe the number of miles that he does on the treadmill each week, but our Elf Fitness Trainer keeps track of it so Rudolph doesn’t overdo it. Rudolph gets sooooo excited!

26

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!

27

Rainbow and Two Doves

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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.
28

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!

29

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!

30

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.

31

Santa and Sleigh

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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.
32

Dragon

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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.
33

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.

34

Submarine Santa

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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.
35

Elf Jockey Racing

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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.
36

Reindeer Soda Shoppe

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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. 

37

Bear on a Ball

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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.
38

Candy Cane Mountain Express

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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.
39

Elves on Toboggan

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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!
40

Santa in Airplane

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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.
41

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!

42

Toy Car Factory

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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.
43

Santa and Fuel Truck

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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.
44

Three Dinosaurs and Volcano

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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.
45

Bear & Penguin on Snowmobile with Four Penguins

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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!
46

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.

47

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. 

48

Humpty Dumpty

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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.
49

Lion Painting Gift Box with Elf

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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!