Palm Coast, FL (November 27, 2021) It’s the official, unofficial kickoff to the holiday season in Flagler County, and one of the first sightings of Santa each year.
Bringing together residents and visitors for the City of Palm Coast’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony where dignitaries enjoy the opportunity to help flip the switch and light up the night, it’s a moment when people put aside their differences and just enjoy being neighbors in the community.
Serving as the event’s emcee, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin’s enthusiasm flowed through the microphone as he welcomed the community and gleefully announced the arrival of the evening’s most distinguished guest, Santa Claus.
Arriving via fire truck courtesy of the Palm Coast Fire Department, waves of excitement could be felt as the kids in the crowd strained for a look. One lucky young lady, 6-year old Lucy Sabatini was “super excited” to be selected to help Santa do the honors of lighting up the Christmas tree and turning on the 53 animated displays as part of the 16th annual Fantasy Lights celebration in Central Park.
“I’m so happy for her,” said mom, Shannon Martin. “She’s a little shy but I can guarantee you, every time we turn the tree on at the house she has to be the first one to do it. She wants to plug it in, so I know this is all she is going to be talking about all December is how she lit up the big tree.”
Fantasy Lights has become a part of a holiday tradition for families across the region.
Sponsored by local businesses, clubs and residents and managed by the Rotary Club of Flagler County, Fantasy Lights is one of the only free large scale displays of it’s kind in northeast and central Florida, and offers a welcome opportunity for families to spend time together at no cost, during what can be an expensive holiday season.
“This is a signature event for Palm Coast and the Rotary has been very proud and very happy to bring this to our community every year,” said club president Vincent Lyon. “It’s wonderful to see everyone out again and know that things are on the upturn.”
Launching the season with a food experience, Rotarian and Taste of Holidays organizer Charles Barbel was thrilled by the response from those looking for an evening snack or to enjoy dinner out with the family during the celebration.
“This year’s 2021 Taste of Holidays introduction to food trucks on site was a huge hit and success to our community on opening night,” said Barbel. “What a great way to provide a variety of tastings to state the season’s festivities for the holidays.”
While strolling through the park with their Taste of Holidays treats, guests could enjoy new displays like the touching tribute to longtime Palm Coast resident, beloved soccer coach, former Palm Coast City Councilman and Flagler County Commissioner Frank Meeker, who passed away in 2016, and the spectacular display showcasing the Flagler Executive Airport, added in 2020.
“We are here tonight to welcome all of our neighbors, families and friends to come together to celebrate the holidays in peace and happiness,” said Mayor Alfin.
The annual event is also a chance for elected officials like Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly to show their festive side, and in a not-so-ugly sweater, Staly chatted with attendees about upcoming holiday plans and public safety.
“You don’t want to end up in The Green Roof Inn because you’ll end up on the naughty list,” said Staly with his trademark humor.
“Fortunately we have a pretty safe community to begin with but we don’t want outsiders preying on our community as they’re celebrating the holidays. We increase patrols, we have a zero tolerance, and our citizens can help by doing some very basic crime prevention – locking your car doors, don’t leave anything visible in your car, put it in the trunk, be aware of your surroundings. Most important, if you see something that doesn’t look right, call us at 386-313-4911 and let a deputy check it out. Might not be anything but then again, you might prevent a crime.”
As Flagler County begins to emerge from the pandemic, this year’s theme was built around appreciation for the community’s healthcare workers. Festive student art displays at the entrance were provided by schools from around the district to offer up thanks to the frontline workers according to Fantasy Lights co-chair Bill Butler, and a new element within Santa’s Village ties directly into the theme.
“We have a new thing in the village this year, it’s an Angel Wing display, a little photo op where they can all pretend like they’re angels,” said Butler. “Tis the season that we thank our healthcare angels. So when you look at all those boards coming in, that’s the theme,” he said.
The Fantasy Lights display runs nightly November 27 – December 30, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend, and donations are accepted under the Rotary Arch.
For more information on Santa’s visits and the entertainment schedule visit Fantasy Lights here.