The Alexandria Festival of Lights
Our Story
The founder, Tom Gerlich who relocated from South Western Ontario where he co-chaired a Christmas light festival called “The Holiday Fantasy of Lights”. At the request of the “Alexandria & District Chamber of Commerce” a presentation was made to the Town Council in November 2006 to use the Island Park Location. With only a few weeks to get the festival together we managed to open the show with twenty two exhibitors and a backdrop of brightly lit trees. When only one day prior to opening our efforts sustained heavy damage due to a two-day ice storm. Everyone pitched in to resurrect displays and tree lighting to open successfully as planned. “The Alexandria Richelieu Christmas Parade” rolled into the park for the first time and the lights were turned on for the next thirty five days.
Our success is thanks to our volunteers, community support and our major sponsors for 2009: “Variety 104.5” "Scotiabank" "North Glengarry" "Home Hardware" "Genuine Convenience Store" and "Roy's Pontiac Buick GMC".
Without the support of our major sponsors, The Alexandria & District Chamber of Commerce, and The Township of North Glengarry this festival could not continue from year to year.
It is a community event that not only brings forth colorful trees but unique and individual displays from businesses, schools, and local organizations. There is no entrance fee into the festival for either the exhibitors or the public. We only ask for a goodwill donation “if you can” to help keep the exhibit going. Being a non-profit organization monies that are not used to operate the festival are donated back to the community through park improvements. In 2008, we donate a kiosk to serve as a tourism office. In 2009, we were able to service the kiosk for use in 2010.
We operate this festival to better our community by increasing tourism into our area, and bring our families together in a winter wonderland of Christmas lights. It’s all about the Kids, the moms and dads, and giving back to them the joy that they bring to us living in our community.
Visit the Alexandria Festival of Lights and enjoy something a little bit different but something very special.