About River Lights
Back in 2019, as Jen Kelly gazed across the St. Lawrence River toward Brockville, she imagined the possibility of bringing a riverfront festival of lights to Morristown. To make it happen, she needed a team of dedicated volunteers—and fortunately, her mother, Sandie Kelly, was part of just such a group.
Jen shared her vision with th group, and the response was immediate: “Yes.” And so, River Lights was born.
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Now, in 2025, we proudly celebrate the 5th annual River Lights Festival, led by Jen Kelly and produced by the Morristown Promotions Council.
About Morristown Promotions
Morristown Promotions Council organizes several events in Morristown, NY. The largest is River Lights!
The Morristown Promotions Council is the all-volunteer group that presents River Lights, Summer flowers, and neighborhood book boxes. The group began as an idea shared among friends.
Over dinner at the Bedrock Cafe in 2018, Town Manager, Frank Putman opened a conversation with Jill Martin and a few others about ways to beautify their community. They considered lending book kiosks/libraries, and flowers.
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Within months they were joined by a committed group of volunteers, including Ranald and Pat Bleakley, Gary Castle, Phyllis Cosler, Annie Destefanis, Sandie Kelly, Kathy Kondrat, Jill Martin, Mary Michaels, Janet Newtown, Mary Paquette, Deb Pinger, Clara Warren, Barb Whitman, Chris Woods, and Bob Larock.
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In 2020, Jennifer Kelly, newly returned to her hometown from Washington, DC, due to the Pandemic, voiced her dream of bringing River Shiver, a historic winter festival, back to life. She hoped to light up the Morristown side of the St. Lawrence River, just as Brockville lights up the Canadian side. Knowing she couldn't do it alone, she asked her mother's group, Morristown Promotions, to help make it happen. Without hesitation, the group said, "yes!"
Their passion for their scenic, historic town on the edge of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1,000 Islands area is strong, and all of upstate New York is beginning to experience the effects of their work.
Today, the group is focusing on strengthening partnerships with other non-profit organizations and local businesses. Partners include The Gateway Museum and Red Barn Preserve, The Morristown Public Library, and more.
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As a young and growing community organization, we are very welcoming of new volunteers. Come! Have some fun with us and meet others in our beautiful community!
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River Lights
This annual event lights up the river during the darkest time of the year. Join us to celebrate and support this community event!
Summer Flowers
Morristown Promotions plants and waters flowers in 30 locations around Morristown. It's always beautiful here!
Book Libraries
The group built and maintains book libraries for anyone to use in locations throughout the greater Morristown community.