The largest number of displays ever featured in Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights, the annual drive-through light display to benefit Easterseals, went up in Garvin Park last Saturday, Nov. 6.
Dozens of volunteers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and Electrical JATC (the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee for IBEW and NECA) will work to set up and connect the elaborate scenes. They are continuing the installation process that began Saturday, Oct. 30, when volunteers from Teamsters Local 215 and IUOE Local 181-Operating Engineers transported the 70 elaborate light displays from a new storage building to their assigned spots throughout the park.
Volunteers worked from approximately 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., placing the 70 displays.  Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights, benefits the local Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. It’s was a massive team effort that will continue with smaller numbers of volunteers returning to Garvin Park many times. In fact, workers will be connecting power to the 70 exhibits and fine-tuning details until opening night on Thanksgiving.
Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights will run nightly from Thanksgiving through Jan. 1, 5-9 p.m. Sun.-Thur. and 5-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The show will feature the naturally socially distanced, drive-through format. The Bright Lights 5K race and 1-mile walk and Polar Bear Express with Santa will return this year. More information on dates for these activities can be found atbidpal.net/ritzysfol21.
Easterseals will continue the touchless ticketing option for visitors this year. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at bidpal.net/ritzysfol21. Tickets will also be available in advance at any Ritzy’s restaurant location in Evansville later this month.
Admission per vehicle remains the same affordable price: Up to 6 people $7; 7-14 people $10; 15 or more people $25. Visitors may also choose a horse-drawn carriage ride (weather permitting) for $30, which includes admission; no reservations are required or accepted for carriage rides.
Major sponsors are Ritzy’s, IBEW Local 16, NECA, Teamsters Local 215, Electrical JATC, International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT) DC91, IUOE Local 181 – Operating Engineers, ABC 25 / CW 7, Evansville Living, Tools 4 Teaching, 104.1 WIKY, HOT96, 93.5 The Lloyd, and 107.5 WABX. Special thanks to the Evansville Department of Parks & Recreation for their continued support of Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights in Garvin Park.
