It has been a long hot summer so it is only fitting that the holidays and its cool weather will be in full bloom this month with the opening of Rotary’s Fantasy Lights scheduled for November 25th.
The popular free lights display around the lake in Palm Coast’s Central Park with 55 light displays, marshmallow roasting, children’s train rides and live entertainment, will kick off on Saturday, November 25 and continue on through November and the entire month of December from 6 to 9 PM.
“It is Rotary’s gift to the community, ”said Co-Chairman of the event Bill Butler.
The event was born out of the love of Bill and his wife Libby for their daughter Tiffany who loved the holiday lights. After her untimely passing at a very young age. Bill, a member of the Rotary Club, made it his mission to provide a community lights display in honor of their daughter.
It is truly an event that involves the entire community. High School athletes help the Rotarians erect the steel displays. A complete Santa’s village is being rebuilt under the direction of the Flagler County Homebuilders Association. The buildings are being constructed in the shop classes at Matanzas High School by students under the direction of the Homebuilders members and painted by volunteers. Rotary provides a Santa for the children on most Sundays. Kids love to play in Santa’s village while waiting for a train ride or after roasting marshmallows.
On Saturday December 2nd the City of Palm Coast will hold a Holiday Marketplace at the event with food trucks and an assortment of local vendors all in a holiday atmosphere.
Musicians donate their time and talent for live entertainment on most nights.
Donations collected by the Rotary Club of Flagler County are plowed back into nonprofit community organizations serving various community needs.
On opening night ,Monday November 25 th Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin will officially open the lights by lighting the City’s Tree at 6 p.m. Rotary’s annual Taste of the Holidays featuring local restaurants will be there that night..Food trucks entertainment and train rides will be offered along with the light displays around the lake for the first night of the season.
