The Alexandria Festival of Lights was a beloved, completely free holiday tradition that lit up Island Park in Alexandria, Ontario every December from 2006 until its final season in 2017.
It all began with Tom Gerlich. After years of co-chairing the highly successful “Holiday Fantasy of Lights” in southwestern Ontario, Tom brought his vision and experience to Glengarry. In November 2006, at the invitation of the Alexandria & District Chamber of Commerce, he presented the idea to North Glengarry Township Council. With only weeks to prepare — and after a devastating two-day ice storm that damaged displays just 24 hours before opening — Tom and a dedicated group of volunteers miraculously opened the park with 22 exhibitors, thousands of lights wrapped around trees, and the Richelieu Christmas Parade rolling in to officially turn on the switch.
What started as a modest display grew into one of Eastern Ontario’s most heartwarming holiday events: a non-profit, zero-admission festival featuring unique light creations by businesses, schools, service clubs, and families. Visitors were simply asked for a goodwill donation “if you can.” Every dollar raised went back into the festival or into lasting community improvements — including the donation and wiring of a permanent tourism kiosk in Island Park.
For five years, with unwavering support from major sponsors (The Jewel 107.7, Scotiabank, North Glengarry Township, Alexandria Home Hardware, and Genuine Convenience Store), along with hundreds of volunteers and the leadership of founder Tom Gerlich, the Alexandria Festival of Lights truly was a community-built winter wonderland that reminded everyone what the season is really about — especially the kids.
Though the lights no longer shine in Island Park, the memories — and the spirit Tom Gerlich ignited — still glow brightly in the hearts of everyone who experienced it.
