Happy Holidays ahead: Palm Coast, Flagler County Rotary Club celebrate 20 years of Fantasy Lights

In 2006, Palm Coast's annual Fantasy Lights Festival started with a handful of light displays and the memory of a little girl.

  • Palm Coast Observer
  • Neighbors
  • Share

Twenty years ago, Palm Coast's annual Fantasy Lights Festival started with a handful of light displays and the memory of a little girl.

"I felt a little tap on my shoulder saying, 'Dad, it's time,'" said Bill Butler co-chair of the Fantasy Lights Festival. "I just can't believe it's grown to this."

Now the Festival has 57 displays, all sponsored by organizations and businesses in Flagler County. The Festival is organized by the Rotary Club of Flagler County and acts as a fundraiser. Over the years, the Festival has raised $375,000 for local nonprofits. 

The idea for a holiday light show stemmed from the dream of Butler's daughter Tiffany, who died in 2002 of a heart condition. Butler said that in 1997 when his family saw a Christmas light display in Indiana, his daughter Tiffany wanted to have a similar light show in Palm Coast. 

Tiffany did not live to see the fruition of her dream, but, Butler was able to bring it to life in 2006. The Festival opened with Palm Coast's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 29 and will run through Dec. 30, from 6:30-9 p.m.

A special 20th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m., honoring the legacy of the Festival and the Rotary Club of Flagler County will also host the Holiday Market the same day.

Michelle Bartlome, president of the Rotary Club of Flagler County, said during the opening ceremony that the Fantasy Light Festival has spread "sparkle, laughter and community spirit" for the last 20 years.

Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri lead the Tree Lighting Ceremony. 

"This tree lighting has become one of the most meaningful traditions in our city," Pontieri said. "I'm so grateful to be here with all of you."

Typically, the Central Park Christmas tree is lit as Santa Claus and city official flip a giant switch, a physical tribute to the beginning of the holiday season. This year, Pontieri invited the crowd of children to flip the switch with Santa Claus instead.

Pontieri said she hopes the Tree Lighting Ceremony tradition will continue for years in Palm Coast, celebrating the spirit that holds the city together. Pontieri took a moment to ask the crowd to turn and hug the family and neighbors. 

"I want us to start spreading the joy right here, right now," she said.

Pontieri said Christmas has always had important meaning to her, and as a new mother, the meaning of Christmas "is amplified."

"To me," she said, "Christmas is about a child. And for all of us, Christmas should be about our children and our families."

 

Latest News

  • December 13, 2025
A mark of honor: Ormond Beach DAR chapter holds annual Wreaths Across America ceremony
  • December 12, 2025
Flagler detective suspended without pay for 'unbecoming conduct' following Dec. 4 arrest
  • December 12, 2025
Ormond Beach Planning Board OKs new commerce park development on North U.S. 1
  • December 11, 2025
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office implements AI language translation technology for body cameras
×

Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning local news.