Fantasy of Lights opens Thanksgiving night | Events

The 19th annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights to benefit Easter Seals will open i  Garvin Park at 5:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Thur., Nov. 22.  A total of 62 displays were installed over the past three weeks by volunteers from IBEW Local 16 and National Electrical Contractors Association, with assistance from Teamsters Local 215 and members of the Southwest Indiana Building Trades Council. 

On Thursday, Santa Claus will officially open the drive-through event, assisted by Easter Seals Child Representative Ali Shanks, age 7, daughter of Mike and Peggy Shanks of Evansville. Event proceeds underwrite therapy services for tri-state individuals with disabilities served by the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center.

NEW THIS YEAR:

•. The show will feature its very popular drive-through format again EXCEPT MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, WHEN THE EVENT WILL BE A WALK-THROUGH ONLY, with no vehicles allowed except strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices.  Admission for the December 3rd walk-through – which will be open 5-9 p.m. – is $5 per person.  The walk-through is being organized by volunteer group “Team J-Man Gives” to benefit Easter Seals.

•This year, volunteers installed a brand new animated hummingbird and flower display in celebration of the life of Marsha Axton. This new display is 24’ X 18’ and is made up of approximately 600 bulbs.

• Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights will be open 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through January 1.  Hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be 5-10 p.m.

• For vehicles with up to 6 people, admission for the drive-through event is $7 per car at the gate; advance tickets are available at Evansville Ritzy’s locations. Admission for vehicles with 7-14 people is $10 and admission for vehicles with 15 people or more is $25.