LISBON -- The Lights on the River display drew thousands of St. Lawrence County residents to its holiday event that raised $26,400 for local food pantries.

Organizer Scott Wilhelm said 12 pantries received $2,200 each as checks were dolled out at Lisbon Central School Monday.

Wilhelm said the charity also raised about 7,500 pounds of food. Each of the 12 food pantries received 13 pound boxes.

Wilhelm says since inception four years ago, Lights on the River has raised more than $50,000 in donations for local charities.

The event began with a few friends who wanted to create a holiday light display for families to view during the Christmas season. Since then, it has grown dramatically.

Wilhelm said the event raised $18,000 last year and about $16,000 total in the first two years.

“I never expected it to get this big,” he said. “It’s just great to see people come together to help.”

Lights on the River is a free event, but donations of cash or non-perishable food items are accepted at the gate.

Pantries receiving donations include Canton Church and Community, Canton Neighborhood Center, Gouverneur Neighborhood Center, Hammond Neighborhood Center, Heuvelton Food Pantry, Lisbon Food Pantry, Massena Neighborhood Center, Norwood-Norfolk-Raymondville Outreach, Ogdensburg Neighborhood Center, Potsdam Neighborhood Center, Richville Food Pantry and Waddington Family Resource Center.