Blue Jacket's Fantasy of Lights brings record number of new

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brad Saleik, Director of Marketing

Blue Jacket, Inc.

260-744-1900 (o) 260-438-9925 (c)

[email protected]

NOVEMBER 17, 2021

Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights brings record number of new

displays, event growth to 2021 event

FORT WAYNE — Following a banner year in 2020, Blue Jacket is expanding some new fan favorites. The

Fort Wayne-based nonprofit, now in its 7th year running the area’s most popular holiday event, promises

new displays, an expanded footprint in the return of the open-air Christmas village at Blue Jacket’s Fantasy

of Lights and even more fun experiences for the kids.

The Fantasy of Lights, now in its 26

season, traditionally kicks off on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving,

but will open to the public this year on Nov. 16, one week earlier. Admission will remain $10 per car to

experience the nearly 2-mile route, which will feature over 140 scenes made up of over 400 pieces, 13

more than 2020. There are additional fees for 12+ passenger vans and busses.

Every improvement has the intention to make the Fantasy of Lights a destination and not just a drive

through experience, so the entire family is excited to attend. This year has many new fun, light-hearted

displays, the kid’s favorite free candy cane challenge to find the hidden monkey, and a number of free

admission and themed nights for people who like to celebrate the season. Blue Jacket even teamed up

with Human Fort Wayne to provide dog biscuits for their furry friends.

The Fantasy of Lights drive-thru option is also opening early to help alleviate traffic congestion, now at

5:30 p.m. On assigned theme nights to celebrate teachers, first responders, military active duty and

veterans, all must present ID at the gate. On “Decorate Your Car Night,” a vehicle decorated with the

Christmas spirit gets in free.

Blue Jacket’s special theme and free nights follow:

Tues, Nov. 16: Grand Opening/Flip the Switch (Public welcome, regular admission)

Wed, Nov. 17: Military free night (Public regular admission)

Thurs, Nov. 18: 1

Responder/Front Line Worker free night (Public regular admission)

Fri, Nov. 19: Fort4Fitness 2K walk (Registrants only, closed to vehicles)

Sat, Nov. 20: Fort4Fitness 5K run/walk (Registrants only, closed to vehicles)

Sun, Nov. 21: Teachers free night (Public regular admission)

Mon, Nov. 22: ‘Golden Ticket’ Appreciation (For Sponsors/Partners, Public regular admission)

Nov. 23– Dec. 31

(Open to the public every night)

Sun, Nov. 28: Pay What You Want Night (Open to the public, donation)

Mon, Nov. 29 Decorate Your Car Night (Open to the public)

Dec 2-5, 9-12, 16-19 Christmas Village (Open to the public)

Thurs, Dec. 16: Bike Night (escorted ride at 7:30 pm) (with Three Rivers Velo Sports)

The Christmas Village at Blue Jacket’s Fantasy of Lights, located this year in the Foellinger Theatre

overflow lot just off of Goshen Road, returns for a second year and promises an expansion from its

inaugural campaign. There will be food and craft vendors, multiple photo taking opportunities, and all the

sights, sounds, and smells of a rustic, historic Christmas Village. The anchor of the village is a 30-foot x

120-foot Santa Experience tent delivering patrons to a “North Pole” experience, Christmas craft activities

for the children, and a walk through Santa’s workshop culminating in a visit with Santa every night the

Village is open.

For the fourth year in a row, Blue Jacket is “putting its mission on full display” by hiring its Career Academy

graduates to staff the event.

Blue Jacket, Inc.’s mission is to provide the tools and opportunities to any adult with a barrier to

employment who is striving to earn a chance at gainful employment. Blue Jacket touts an average 90%

employment rate and provides a number of in-house jobs to help clients get back on their feet, including

hiring them to work this Fantasy of Lights event.

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Hi-resolution photos and video available for use through the following link. Please credit Blue Jacket Inc. in

all uses. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16a2m0CGR3gxUFlO-YFPzXiu1CY2eX61Y?usp=sharing

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Admission passes as gifts?

You can purchase discounted tickets for entrance to the Fantasy of Lights route in bulk to give as presents

to friends or employees. Orders of 25-49 are eligible for a 10% discount, 50-99 gets a 20% discount, and

100 or more gets you 30% off. It’s the perfect holiday gift for companies! To learn more, contact Amy

Shepherd at 260-744-1900.

Interested in sponsoring a display or taking part in the event?

Blue Jacket owns a few displays that are open for sponsorship opportunities and a new, creative method

of sponsoring a new Christmas Market is available. For more information, call Brad Saleik at 260-744-1900.