Alight at Night sets attendance record

In this Jan. 3, 2012 photo provided by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, the Loucks farm is covered in lights for Alight at Night. The winter festival of lights is back for its 15th year, east of Morrisburg, Ont. (St. Lawrence Parks Commission via Newswatch Group)

MORRISBURG – The region’s signature holiday festival of lights has set an all-time attendance record.

There were 46,400 people who went to Alight at Night at Upper Canada Village, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission announced Monday.

“This event just seems to get better and better,” said spokesman Geoff Waycik.

Mother Nature is believed to have played a big part in bringing out the crowds with 4,400 coming through the gates on the first night.

The award-winning festival over 22 nights, east of Morrisburg, has been running for 15 years.

It’s estimated the winter event pumped $5 million into the local economy, almost $1 million more than last year.