The Bando Family
Welcome to the family! Want to know who Butch Bando is? Or what the “Welcome Guy” display at our exit is all about? You have come to the right place! Enjoy reading about the family behind the show.
Who is Butch Bando?
Narciso “Butch” Bando was a local business owner and our loving father. He was truly larger than life, not only in size, but in charisma as well. He was the light of any room and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. The only thing he loved more than making people laugh was helping those in need. Whenever he saw an opportunity to help, he set his own needs aside and devoted his entire focus to making a difference. Naturally, Christmas was a big deal for our Dad, as it allowed him the opportunity to be in his element, which was being selfless in the name of sharing joy and helping others. Even though he passed many years ago, people still tell stories of his loving nature, generous spirit and cheesy jokes. That is why in 2017 we renamed the light show in his honor. All of these years later, the Christmas season is still a time that reminds us of our Dad and the light show helps keep those wonderful memories alive. The only thing we love more than seeing your family enjoy the lights and making your own Christmas memories is when our guests share their memories of our Dad with us at the show. So, thank you, because while you are creating new lasting memories with your loved ones, you are helping us preserve some of our favorites.
Who is Guy Bando?
Guy Matteo Bando is the incredible, sweet, baby boy that we (Jamie and Dante Bando) get to call our Son. In late 2024, Guy came into our family through our dear friends, the Harts who adopted Guy's older sister Hayden. When they learned that Hayden had a new baby brother in need of a loving home, they reached out to us. Guy was then able to join our family through Kinship Care, and these amazing siblings can now be in each other's lives forever. Thanks to his three Guardian Angels; Sami, Suz, and Mandy, Guy is a Bando for life! And with his adoption being final, we are blessed to be able to share our story with you now in 2025! The "Welcome Guy" display you see at the exit of our show was designed by Dante and given to Jamie as a surprise last year when Guy was still our little secret. We are beyond blessed and proud to share our story with you so that we can spread our light and inspire others to see what a blessing adoption can be. We are also happy to announce our newest local charity partnership, Alicia's Closet. To learn more about who they are and what they do, please visit our Charity + Community page. We share our story to inspire others and spread joy and light to local foster, kinship, and adopted children and their Families.
Who is Dante, Theresa and Jamie?
Dante and Theresa Bando are siblings and the proud owners/operators of Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights, as well as several other local businesses. Like their late father Butch, they are philanthropists first, business owners second. Their dedication to this light show and their community is unmatched. They put on this show not only as a way to give back to the community that they have been a part of their whole lives, but also as a way to help support several local charities that are committed to improving lives in that very same community. We are very appreciative of the friends and family that help make this show possible, and for each one of you!Jamie Bando is Dante’s wife and the Director of Marketing for Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights. She is a mother, an intervention specialist of 20+ years, and has recently been named the Director of Valor Tutoring, a program of Children of Valor. She has proudly served on the board for several charities the light show benefits and now is honored to work for one of them. She is very thankful for all the light she can shine on her incredible community, thanks to all who attend Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights!
Merry Christmas!