Fantasy of lights in Franke Park

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The AWS Foundation's Fantasy of Lights opens on Wednesday, November 21 at 6 p.m. at Franke Park. Attendees can drive through the park at only $5 a car; $10 for acommercial passenger van or limo and $25 bus or trolley.

Fantasy of Lights is open every night from November 21 until New Year's Eve. Sunday through Thursday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

There will be five new displays depicting the holidays. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus,along with some very special children, will ride in a horse-drawn carriage as they turn on the lights on Wednesday night.

The Thiem family dedicated a display in memory of their son Christopher, a former AWS client who passed away nine years ago. The display is the Leg Lamp from "A Christmas Story."

"This story perfectly captures Christopher's sense of humor, his mom told me," explained Lynne Gilmore, executive director of the AWS Foundation, and event organizer.  "Last year's attendance hit an all-time record so we know more families are making Fantasy of Lights a part of their holiday traditions."
 
Other new displays include:

• MidWest America Federal Credit Union - The scene 'every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings' from "It's a Wonderful Life."
• BAE Systems - Santa piloting a commercial airliner dropping packages from the sky.
• Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company - this long-time display sponsor has designed a new nativity scene.
• A memorial display featuring an angel releasing a butterfly towards a rainbow.  

About Fantasy of Lights
Fantasy of Lights, organized by the AWS Foundation, is Northeast Indiana's premier outdoor holiday event at Franke Park.  Open every night at 6 pm through New Year's Eve, Fantasy of Lights proceeds support programs for children and adults with disabilities in northeast Indiana.  Preview the event at online. 
 
About AWS Foundation
The Foundation is a not-for-profit grant-making organization whose mission is to support programs that help children and adults with enduring intellectual and/or physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included in the community and achieve their highest potential.  The Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million to 40 organizations in Northeast Indiana since grant making began in 2009.