Every holiday season, Fantasy Lights brings families to Central Park in Palm Coast. But beyond the glowing displays and festive atmosphere, the event is helping local students pursue something lasting: a college education. For Jack Gilvary, Ciara Gordon and Lily Ames, scholarships from the Rotary Club of Flagler County have helped ease expenses and open doors to new opportunities.
Jack Gilvary, the Rotary Student-Athlete of the Year Scholarship recipient in 2024, is now a third-year finance student at the University of Florida, with minors in accounting and health administration.
After a season-ending hamstring injury, the recognition of his accomplishments was especially meaningful. The scholarship helped with freshman-year living expenses and allowed him to save toward studying abroad.
“Neither of my parents graduated from college, so in many ways, I was entering uncharted territory when I started at the University of Florida,” Gilvary said. He added that the scholarship supported his goal of graduating without substantial debt.
Ciara Gordon, a junior at Florida Southern College studying nursing with a biology minor, says the financial support has allowed her to concentrate on classes rather than taking a part-time job to cover school expenses.
She has also become involved on campus as a peer mentor, orientation leader and club executive.
“This scholarship helped me achieve this college life that I’m experiencing,” Gordon said.
Lily Ames received her scholarship in 2026 and is studying accounting at Florida State University, with plans to double major in management information systems.
She previously volunteered to set up Fantasy Lights while in high school, making the scholarship particularly personal. The award has helped ease college costs and supported her plans to study abroad.
“It was always so rewarding to visit the Fantasy Lights, knowing I was a part of making it happen for my community,” Ames said.
According to the Rotary Club of Flagler County, the club has committed $86,000 toward scholarships since 2018 through the Flagler County Education Foundation, including $10,000 earmarked from this year's Fantasy Lights proceeds.
Since Fantasy Lights began in 2006, the event has raised more than $400,000 to support local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives, according to the club.
Donations help support scholarships, local organizations, community projects and Rotary service initiatives. Admission remains free.
Jim Marindino, chair of the club's Scholarship Committee, said students like Gilvary, Gordon and Ames demonstrate how scholarship assistance can reduce college expenses and help students pursue their goals.
The Rotary Club's Fantasy Lights returns to Central Park in Town Center from November 28 through December 30, 2026.
Opening night begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, November 28, alongside the City of Palm Coast's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The festival's presenting sponsor this year is Douglas Law Firm.
The holiday attraction features more than 57 illuminated displays, Santa's Village, a miniature train ride, elf houses and a marshmallow-roasting firepit.
It's a festive outing for families with children, couples, friends and visitors who want to enjoy Palm Coast during the holidays.
Whether you make Fantasy Lights an annual tradition or visit for the first time, there's an added reason to appreciate the experience: your support can help local students and community organizations well beyond the holiday season.
For festival information, visit flaglerrotary.org.
Source: Rotary Club of Flagler County news release, November 10, 2026, with opening-night details from the City of Palm Coast.
Disclaimer: Event activities and schedules may change. Please confirm current details with the Rotary Club of Flagler County before attending.
