Bright Lights for Easterseals 5K and 1-Mile Walk: A Magical Holiday Tradition

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and embrace the holiday spirit at the Bright Lights for Easterseals 5K and 1-Mile Walk! This exciting event will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Garvin Park in Evansville. Held in conjunction with the beloved Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights, this one-night-only experience is a fantastic way to enjoy the holiday lights up close while supporting a great cause.

Step Into a Holiday Wonderland at Garvin Park

Garvin Park will transform into a magical wonderland, featuring over 80 dazzling light displays—some as tall as 25 feet! From flying reindeer to dancing bears and a waving Santa Claus, the park will be filled with animated holiday cheer. For this special evening, the park is open exclusively to runners, walkers, and individuals using mobility equipment, making it a truly inclusive experience.

New for 2024: Costume Contest and Food Trucks!

This year, the Bright Lights event will feature even more fun with an informal costume contest. Whether you’re dressed as Rudolph, Santa, or an elf in tights, you’ll have a chance to strut your stuff on the red carpet, get your photo taken, and maybe even win a prize! The top three costumes will each receive a $25 VISA Gift Card and a Carriage Gift Certificate to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights. Don’t forget to show off your best holiday flair!

And while you’re enjoying the lights, grab a bite from some of Evansville’s favorite food trucks like The Pizza Revolution, Tater Temptations, and Traveling Tom's Coffee Truck. There’s nothing like hot cocoa or coffee to keep you warm as you walk through the lights.

How to Register for the Bright Lights 5K or 1-Mile Walk

Whether you want to run the 5K or take a leisurely 1-mile walk, registration is easy! Here's what you need to know:

• 5K Run at 5:45 p.m. | $25 (Early Bird: $30 after Nov. 1) | Includes a Bright Lights short-sleeve t-shirt if registered by Nov. 1
• 1-Mile Walk at 6:30 p.m. | $5 (Kids 2 and under are free)

This is the only night that Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights will be closed to vehicle traffic, so take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore the park on foot. No dogs allowed, except for service animals.

Proceeds Support a Great Cause

All proceeds from the Bright Lights for Easterseals event go toward funding inclusive early education and therapy programs for children and adults with disabilities in the Tri-State area. This is your chance to enjoy a magical night while making a positive impact in your community.

Don’t wait—register now at runsignup.com/brightlights5k and mark your calendars for a night of festive fun at Garvin Park! For more information or to volunteer, contact Rhonda Trail at 812-430-3833 or Carolyn Franklin at cfranklin@evansvillerehab.com.

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