BY MATT LINDSEY

North Country This Week

LISBON – In the last decade, Lights on the River has raised over $150,000 and collected over 30,000 pounds of food for local food pantries.

This year, thousands of visitors are again expected to donate hundreds of food items and view dozens of brightly lit holiday displays set up on the Lisbon Beach. Volunteers are still being sought to ensure the event’s success.

Jon Santamoor, who joined the organization in 2014 and took over as president in 2016, said the weeklong event raised $22,000 last year. That money was equally spread over 16 of the larger food pantries in St. Lawrence County from Gouverneur to Massena.

The fundraiser started with 10 businesses and grew to 85 displays last year, with other local businesses making donations in lieu of setting up a display.

Displays are all holiday-themed with the only requirement being that it has lights.

“It’s a great way to get your businesses name out there, show people you are supporting locally and have some fun,” Santamoor said.

Santamoor, a teacher at BOCES, became involved when past president Scott Wilhelm reached out to him for help with designing a display.

His students rigged up holiday lights to flash in sync with Christmas music. Today, some of his students help promote the event through social media.

‘The more hands the easier it is,” Santamoor said. “We have a job for everybody.”

Santamoor said food pantry workers are the “true heroes” and Lights on the River is only there to help them out.

In meeting with food pantry personnel, Santamoor said they speak of the troubles they see daily. “It's unimaginable … some people are receiving assistance every day, it could be your neighbors, friends or family.”

Any food pantry can choose to receive help from Lights on the River. Simply reach out to Santamoor at 315-244-2019 or visit bit.ly/37lIZID for more information.

Lights on the River, which takes place at the Lisbon beach, will run Dec. 14-22.

“A lot of people are messaging me already asking when it is as they are looking forward to seeing it,” Santamoor said.

Hours will be 5-8 p.m. on nights were there is school the following day, and 5-9 p.m. on the other nights. On Dec. 14 there will also be a 5K run and Canton Carriages will offer horse drawn carriage rides.

Santamoor said the drive around the beach takes about 20 minutes, depending on how busy it is.

Donations are accepted at the entrance. Donations can be monetary, food, and cleaning and hygiene products. No clothing donations will be accepted.

There will be an elf named Dash hidden in the displays. Being the 10th year of the event, he expects there will be prizes for children who are able to spot him.

Volunteers are needed. People can help by joining the board, meeting with businesses, advertising and during the week of the fund raiser.

“We want people who will take us into the next decade,” Santamoor said.

Planning for next year’s event begins in January.

“It’s lots of work and we need volunteers and new members,” Santamoor said.

For those who wish to be a part of the 10th annual Lights on the River, check them out on Facebook @LightsOnTheRiver, email info@lightsontheriver.org, or call Jon at 315-244-2019 or Becky at 315-323-4008.