Monthly Business Luncheon
Wednesday, May 3rd
Red Pirate Family Grill
236 US-Hwy 98
Eastpoint
Noon
Business After Hours
TBA
June Monthly Business Luncheon
Wednesday, June 7th
First United Methodist Church
75 5th st
Apalachicola
Noon
Visitor Statistics
March 2001 1,474 March 2002 1,223 March 2008 820 March 2004 1,540 March 2005 1,607 March 2006 1,687 March 2007 2,857 March 2008 3,189 March 2009 2,082 March 2010 3,406 March 2011 3,389 March 2012 2,907 March 2013 2,135 March 2014 1,452
March 2015 1,580
March 2016 1,647
March 2017 2,121
March Website Stats
Sessions: 15,944
Users: 12,730
Pageviews: 47,243
Pages Per Session: 2.96
Avg Session Duration: 00:02:29
% New Sessions: 74.39%
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PRESIDENT
Donna Duncan 653-8976
VICE-PRESIDENT
Bud Hayes 927-3305
TREASURER
Jerry Hall 653-9510
SECRETARY
Kristin Anderson 653-2249
Bonnie Fulmer
509-5009
Craig Gibson
653-8853
Ginny Griner 653-8853
Beverly Hewitt 653-9510
Mike Koun 653-2191
Michael Shuler 653-1757
Jean Ulrich 653-2900
Sara Ward 653-1399
Debbie Flowers 670-4000
Andrea Duval 653-2512
Executive Director
John C. Solomon
execdirector@apalachicolabay.org
850-370-6602
Got Ideas? Suggestions?
How can the Apalachicola Bay Chamber better serve you?
Is there something that we can do better to help your business?
Is there something you would like to see us add or change on the website, at the visitor's center or in the visitors' guide?
Would like to be a volunteer with the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Ideas and volunteers are always welcome. Feel free to call or email us with your ideas at
execdirector@apalachicolabay.org.
Business Luncheons and Business After Hours
If you or your business is interested in hosting a Business Luncheon or a Business After Hours in 2015, please feel free to call the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce at 850-653-9419 or email
John C. Solomon at execdirector@apalachicolabay.org
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| Winners of the 19th Annual Boat & Car Show |
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Winners
BOATS
Best of Show...Gibby Conrad
Skiff...Bill Johnson
Sailboat... Diane Picket
Aluminum Boat... Bud Harrison
Fiberglass Boat...Gibby Conrad
Runabout...Judd Ficklin
Local Boat Builder....Gibby Johnson
Restoration...Bill Johnson
Classic...Wally Holton
Car and Boat Combo... Bruce Hall
Oldest Boat...David Soule
CARS AND TRUCKS
Best of Show...Harland Drawdy
Sponsors' Choice...Carl Carlson
Classic Car...Jim Ward
Antique Car...Jimmy Davis
Late Model...Chris Donahue
Modified Car... Pete Smith
Truck...Robert Sutton
Best Paint...Robert Beck
Worst Gas Mileage...David Revis
Restoration Car... Kenneth Sanders
Oldest Car...Jimmy Davis
By LOIS SWOBODA Apalachicola Times
Maybe it was the weather, or the phase of the moon, but attendance Saturday at Apalachicola's Antique and Classic Car and Boat show probably set a record.
With more than 100 entries and parking at a premium downtown, beautiful boats and cars were all around. Some came from as far away as Atlanta, Naples, Jacksonville and Pensacola but many were the treasured possessions for locals from Franklin, Gulf and Wakulla counties.
Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Director John Solomon said he thought the weather played a big role in the show's success. "We finally caught a break," he said. "I was beginning to think the day was cursed. We've had windy, cold and rainy weather to deal with but this year, everything came together and the weather was perfect."
Solomon said he had just finished assigning the last available spaces when six more cars appeared on the scene and he had to extend the display further up Avenue E than planned.
"What's neat is this is a range of cars and technology," entrant John Grossy of Crestview said,
While there was no formal way to judge attendance, the Apalach Hot Dog Company had sold out of sausages (120) by 1:30 p.m.
Even among the winners chosen by judges, there were some shining stars.
The sailboat Carib II was built by the legendary Commodore Ralph Munroe, an early settler of Biscayne Bay. The wooden boat is 60-feet long with a four-foot draft. Built in 1924, there was no question she was both the largest and the oldest vessel in the competition.
Best of Show for boats was Apalachicola's own Gibby Conrad's renovated oyster boat, "Half Shell." The 27-foot craft was one of the final efforts of legendary Apalachicola craftsman Corky Richards who was named a Florida Master Craftsman in 1986 for his expertise with oyster tongs. The boat was later purchased and converted into a pleasure craft by the late Charlie Williamson. Conrad and boat builder Greg LaSchaum are in the process of renovating the "Half Shell."
 Gibby Conrad & Ginger Conrad in front of "Half Shell"
Best of Show for cars was a 1949 Buick Roadmaster belonging to Harland Drawdy of Monticello. Drawdy had long wished for a Roadmaster when he found his dream car at a dealership in south Florida. Upon investigating, he learned the classic had only one previous owner, a 93-year old woman whose son traded it in at a dealership for a new Honda.
Drawdy's offer on the car was accepted but when he drove down to collect his prize, the dealer began to hedge and told him others were interested in the Roadmaster, including Disney. Drawdy replied that if the dealer could sell the car to Disney, he could not compete. The dealer backed down and brought the car home, where he renovated it over the next several years.
The beauty made her first appearance at the Monticello Car Show where she won Best of Show. Later the same day, the Drawdys drove her down to Tallahassee for a show at a local church where she again took Best of Show. Saturday was her third appearance at a show and her third Best of Show.
Another remarkable car that drew a lot of attention was a 1955 Chevy belonging to Kenneth Sanders, of Panama City. The car, rescued from a barn in Huntsville, Alabama, has the original 283 engine with just 73,000 miles on the odometer.
The Sponsors Choice was a gold 1985 Alfa Romeo belonging to Carl Carlson of Apalachicola.
Solomon thanked everyone for their participation in the show and said he has begun planning for next year's competition. Currently, he is trying to decide where he can further expand the display area.
All of the Boats and Cars that participated in the Show can be viewed on the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center Facebook page.
We would also like to thank Jim Ward and the Forgotten Coast Cruisers Car Club for helping advertise the event. As well as thank you to the Franklin County TDC and Duke Energy for sponsoring this years event.
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Forgotten Coast Parrot Head Club
They are a Non-profit organization that provides a variety of volunteer efforts for social and environmental causes.
30a Television is a leading provider of original hyperlocal TV programming for NW Florida, we call it "Information, Entertainment, Beach Style". 30a TV broadcasts on Channel 17 Mediacom and Channel 8 Fairhope Communications, in 9 counties from Sandestin to Alligator Point, nationwide on Roku Web TV, Ominbox Networks, mobile devices, apps and at www.30a.tv Original television shows and rebroadcasts of great content. UPLOAD your videos - Our pick of the best put you on TV ! 30A TV rocks ! Free to join to get free stuff !! How about a day at the spa, or discounts on shopping dining and travel. Join Free today ! 30A TV reaches 55,000 homes and businesses on cable, 48,000 on ROKU TV and is syndicated on the worlds' largest online TV website Filmon.com
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Located at 35 Island Drive Eastpoint Suite 15. Owned and operated by Crystal Fisher,
a small town boutique with added charm. We have affordable prices for both locals and tourists. With our own style of clothing, jewelry, and handmade art.
Chamber News
2017 Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce
Volunteer of the Year
( Pictured: Cathy Rutherford, Career Source / Donna Duncan, President / Jean Ulrich, Secretary / Valentina Webb / Beverly Hewitt / Bonnie Fulmer )
The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors awarded Valentina Webb with the 2017 Volunteer of the Year award Monday April 24th. The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every volunteer in our community. Your work does not go unnoticed nor is it forgotten.
The team Sponsored by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce consisting of Capt. John Layne, Capt. Shawn Chisholm, Justin Mathis and Randy Bell, competed in the Rock The Dock Fishing tournament this past weekend. They finished 1st and 2nd in the Mangrove Snapper portion of the tournament.
 
The Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center is a Certified Travel Information Center
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Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon
May 3rd
Red Pirate Family Grill 236 US HWY 98 Eastpoint, Noon
Bowery Station Music Line Up May 3rd-7th
Wednesday, May 3rd - Mike English kicks things off from 2:30-5pm, Mike debuts his
Country, Southern Rock, Blues, Oldies, Elvis to make for a great afternoon. Then it's on to Open Mic from 6-8ish, hosted by Matt Gardi. All levels of talent are welcome as this months performer tips go towards the Cricket Fund, which helps pay for mammograms for those that need assistance in Gulf and Franklin Counties.
Thursday, May 4th - Seriously making Thursdays the new Fridays. Lauren Sheehan plays the afternoon slot from 3-5pm for her debut at BS. Lauren puts on a show of blues, country and old American folk. Then, Dirty Bird & the Flu are ready to light Apalachicola up from 6-9pm with their high energy growling blues, funk and soul. We're fired up to have these Valdosta cats in for a Thursday...goin' ta be GOOD!
Friday, May 5th - Dylan Allen joins us for a solo show from 2-5 to start off Cinco de Mayo. Dylan is a youthful powerhouse of talent ready to entertain with a set list that spans almost any genre. Then, like we said, we're hitting it hard in May, the Frank Jones Band returns form 6-9 with some of the best blues and rock, with shredding guitar licks, wailing harp, and an energy that engulfs the crowd.
Saturday, May 6th - Mike and Malinda of Sweet Honey Hospitality are back on stage from 2-5pm bringing their smiles, country and americana down from Dothan, with great vocals, guitar and yuke. Then, the act locals have been waiting for, Treble Hook, featuring LD Hatfield, Jeffrey Thomas, and Paul Poulis raise the roof from 6-9. Individually, these guys bring great vocals and solid guitar licks, but we're putting them together in public for a full show of Country, Rock, Southern Rock and a whole lot more. The band's guest list might off some serious surprises. We expect this to be the launching point for a great regional act, you'll want to be able to say you saw this show!
Sunday, May 7th - Hey, let's kick off Sunday right. Slim Fatz starts off the day with his unique style of blues from 2:30-4:30pm. Then, pass the syrrup. What better way to close out the week, than with the return of Syrrup from 5-8:30. Arguably one of the best and sweetest female vocalists to grace our stage, she fronts a soulful band that is built for Sunday afternoons.
Oysters 101
May 3rd @ 1:00pm- 4:00pm
ANERR, 108 Island Drive
1:00pm - 4:00 pm Discover the important role oysters play in the health of Apalachicola Bay. We will learn about what makes Apalachicola Bay so ideal for growing oysters, what gives our oysters their distinct taste and how oysters benefit the ecosystem. Rain date is May 18th. Please register for class in advance. For more information contact Emily Jackson at 850-670-7743 or send an email to emily.a.jackson@dep.state.fl.us or Anita Grove at (850) 670-7708 or
Anita.Grove@dep.state.fl.us.
Forgotten Coast Plein Air
May 4 @ 8:00 am -
May 14 @ 5:00 pm
More than 20 nationally acclaimed artists along with several hundred art enthusiasts will gather on Florida's Forgotten Coast soon to participate in the 12th annual Forgotten Coast en Plein Air Invitational, America's Great Paint-Out, May 5-14, 2017. The event will include several exhibit venues stretching from Carrabelle more than 100 miles west along the coast to Mexico Beach. The event features daily artist demonstrations, workshops, art sales and a series of public receptions. This year focuses on local culture with an emphasis on the people, the places and stories behind the plein air paintings. Art enthusiasts can visit the exhibits and attend the many free special events that occur throughout the 10 day event.
Cinco De Mayo
Friday May 5th
Come Celebrate at Sometimes It's Hotter, on St George Island! Starting at 4:00. This is a fundraiser to benefit Franklin County Public Libraries.
There will be tacos, nachos, beer, wine, and margaritas. There will also be a silent auction, raffles, a book sale, and live music.
APALACHICOLA RESERVE HOSTS WORKSHOP ON BAY-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING
May 5th, 2017, 2:00-4:00
ANERR, 108 Island Drive
Eastpoint, Florida 32328
Coastal erosion is a natural process caused by currents, wave action, wind, storms and even boat wakes. The traditional methods using to harden the shoreline like seawalls and rip rap can often increase coastal erosion and remove the ability of the shoreline to carry out natural processes. The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) will host a workshop on Living Shorelines on Tuesday, May 9th, 2017, 2:00-4:00 pm. The workshop will discuss living shorelines vs. harden shorelines, how to evaluate a shoreline by considering the physical factors such as wave energy, prevailing wind and wave direction, vegetation, and soil type, and present living shoreline methods, materials, permitting, and share success stories of local living shorelines. We will also look at types of plants to plant and visit a local living shoreline. The lecture is free, registration is
suggested. For more information, please contact Anita Grove at 850-670-7708 or
Anita.Grove@dep.state.fl.us
25th Annual Apalachicola Historic Home Tour
May 6 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
A time-honored tradition, the "Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour" is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Trinity Episcopal Church pays homage to all the home and garden owners who have generously shared their homes and gardens with visitors for a quarter of a century. Join the festivities as we wow you with this year's selections of homes and gardens. From a stately mansion and two-story homes to tiny houses, we have a delightful array of dwellings to share with you.
Co-chairpersons, Beverley Connors and Ginger Madewell, announced today that plans are underway for the 25th Annual "Historic Apalachicola Home & Garden Tour" sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church. The tour is expected to attract hundreds of visitors to Apalachicola, FL on Friday and Saturday, May 5-6, 2017.
With great pleasure, we present the residence of Mariterese and Pat Balthrop as the featured home of the tour. This palatial Victorian stands as a paragon of style and boasts an august history in Apalachicola. The dwelling was completed in 1896 and was built for George and Elizabeth Porter Ruge. George Ruge was a co-partner in the Ruge Brothers Canning Company which utilized pasteurization to become Florida's first successful seafood packer. The property, on which the resplendent home is set, occupies half of a city block. A deep and wide wrap-around veranda welcomes guests to turn back their watches to a more refined and slower-paced era. Since the house was purchased in 2013, upgrades have been made to the kitchen and master bath, but the original integrity of the house has been respected by the Balthrops who are only the third owners. The impressive foyer, with its beamed ceilings, rich heart pine floors and cypress wood paneling, culminates in an imposing staircase framed by triple-arch pilasters, setting the tone for the grand scope of the home. The interior décor, furnishings and art are in keeping with the home's magnificent style. Filled with artworks by American and international artists, they reflect both the diversity valued by the owners and their wide-ranging travels. Visitors will marvel at the scale and ornamentation of this spectacular house.
Evensong service at Trinity Episcopal Church, the traditional opening for the home tour, begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 5, followed by a reception to which all are invited. Homes will be open only on Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available at $25 each on our website or at the church office through Friday, May 5. On Saturday, May 6, tour tickets will be $30 and ticket sales commence at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will be served at Benedict Hall on the grounds of Trinity Church from 11:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. on the day of the tour (tickets are $12). Simultaneous with the tour, a silent auction will be he held from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Guests to Apalachicola can enhance their weekend experience by allowing time to visit the many historical buildings and churches, museums, inns and parks that mark this historic town as a truly original locale. We welcome you to join us for the weekend and come back again and again.
AAA Art Exhibit
May 6 @ 8:00 am - May 21 @ 5:00 pm
The Artists of Apalachicola Area (AAA) association is holding its fourth annual member art exhibition. Award-winning paintings, sculptures, pottery, photographs, jewelry and other works by AAA members will be on display. The show runs from May 6 through 20, 2017, upstairs at "On The Waterfront Gallery," 117 Market Street in Apalachicola. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 6, from 4-6 p.m. Guests can meet the artists and enjoy complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres.
AAA is a non-profit association of artists from Franklin, Gulf and Wakulla counties. For more information about AAA, visit the AAA website at
http://artistsofapalachicolaassociation.org/blog/
, or look for them on Facebook.
Also on display, a "New Zealand Expedition" Show will be on exhibit through June 30
Apalachicola Area Historical Society Presents Spring Ghost Walk
May 6 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Apalachicola Area Historical Society Presents Spring Ghost Walk Saturday May 6, 2017 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Chestnut Street Cemetery Located Between 6th & 8th Streets on Hwy 98, Apalachicola Tickets sold at event or at: https://aahs.wildapricot.org/events. Admission $5, children under 12 accompanied by an adult get in free (Join the society for $10 at the event and admission is free!) www.apalachicolahistoricalsociety.org Come meet some of Apalachicola's residents from the "other side" as re-enactors dress in period costumes
to share history and lore about the area
and the town's "former"
Forgotten Coast Fly Company Fly Casting Lessons
May 7th
Sign up now for our second Fly Casting Group Lessons. Instructor Jim will be here Sunday May 7th to teach you the basics of Fly Casting. Lunch will be included.
Space is limited to 6 people. Cost is $45 per person. Email me at: forgottencoastflycompany@g
mail.com
or stop by the shop at:
123 Commerce St, Apalachicola
to reserve your spot today. Last class filled up fast so contact me now.
IN Concert: SEAHAWKS Concert Band
May 7 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The ILSE NEWELL FUND FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS INCONCERT SERIES 2016-17 presents SEAHAWKS Concert Band beginning at 4:00 PM
30A Television Programming Opportunity
May 8 @ 10:00 am -
12:00 pm Tamaras Tapas
30a Television is compiling a television show about Apalachicola. All business owners are invited to be a part of the show. Each business who chooses to participate will have a 5 minute segment in the show. The show will air daily for 1 year. You will receive your 5 minute clip which you will own and
can put on your website, social media, etc. We are excited to do this and we hope you are too! Please invite any business owners that you know. See you soon!
The show will be aired in the 30A Television network on various cable providers, 30A ROKU and AMAZON TV channels as well as facebook live and at 30A.TV online. Showcase - Featured business segment. $1500 - $500 minus our one time discount- Your commitment is just $1,000 for one year.You also get a Price lock on renewals.
Founded in 2007, 30A Media 30A TV has been broadcasting in the NW Florida area since 2008, encompassing originally produced
programming, from event coverage, from award nominated cooking shows, to interview and documentary style programs.
Our unique approach of "Information, Entertainment, Beach Style", has become the foundation for the 30A TV programming
culture. This particular show will highlight businesses and reasons to visit the great Apalachicola area.
Full Moon Climb at Cape St. George Lighthouse
The May Full Moon Climb at the Cape St. George Lighthouse on St. George Island will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. The Sunset/Full Moon Climb will take place from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will include light hors d'oeuvres and a sparkling cider toast to the full moon. Cost is $15.00 for the general public and $10.00 for members of the St. George Lighthouse Association.
The sun will set at 8:22 p.m. and the "Flower" moon will rise at 8:18 p.m. on May 10. The May full moon is called the Flower moon because flowers are in abundant bloom at this time. Full Moon names are attributable to native American tribes, most notably the Algonquin, who named the moons to mark the changing seasons.
After sunset, people are invited to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the full moon, as space and time permit. Cost is $10.00 for the general public and $5.00 for SGLA members.
The Cape St. George Light is located in St. George Lighthouse Park at the center of St. George Island, where Island Drive (the road off the bridge) ends at Gulf Beach Drive. Parking is available in lots at either side of the park.
Because space is limited, reservations are recommended. For reservations or more information, please contact the Lighthouse Gift Shop at 850-927-7745.
Estuary Class
ANERR, 108 Island Drive
Eastpoint, Florida 32328
Do you know what an estuary is and why it is so vital to our economy and way of life?
Join the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve on Friday, May 12th, 12:00-4:00pm to explore the estuary we depend on. Participants will learn about the habitats and creatures that make up our estuary and how the river and bay are intricately connected. We will see these habitats up close aboard the Reserve's research vessel the Henry Lee. The workshop will be based at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, 108 Island Drive, Eastpoint, FL 32328. The class is $20.00. Please register in advance. For more information contact Anita Grove at (850) 670-7708 or
Anita.Grove@dep.state.fl.us. Rain date is May 26th.
Kayaking 101
Saturday, May 13 and 20th, 2017
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park 1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive St. George Island, FL 32328 https://www.floridastateparks.org/park-events/St-George-Island Come and join us at St. George Island State Park for a beginner's guide to kayaking. Staff and volunteers will be holding a Kayaking 101 program to learn basic paddling skills, learn about the park and will discover a few common plants, trees, and wildlife. Registration is capped at 10, so contact us early to reserve your spot. Kayaks will be available at the park or you may bring your own if you like. All participants are required to wear a life jacket. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The training will last about 60 minutes and the on-water tour lasts about 1-2 hours, paddling a distance of approximately 2 miles. Program is free with your paid admission in to the park.
2017 Chickefest
Saturday May 13th
Bowery Station, Apalachicola's home of great live music, is pleased to host Chickfest 2017. Chickfest is a daylong event that features some of the regions most talented female performers as a tribute to their contributions to the live music scene along the Gulf Coast. This year's event includes the Krickets, recent recipients of the IMEA Folk Artist of the Year award, along with the emerging talent, The Adventures of Annabelle Lyn, a dynamic trio that has recently been called upon to open for the Wood Brother's in Tallahassee. Other top level female talent includes Cat Braaten, Ashley Feller, and Savanna Leigh Bassett to round out a diverse realm of musical styles and performances. Come join us at Bowery Station for what is quickly becoming one of the best live music events of the year on the Forgotten Coast.
Reserve Wednesday Talks: Wildflowers
May 17th @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
ANERR, 108 Island Drive
Eastpoint, Florida 32328
Speaker: Erik Lovestrand, Franklin County IFAS Extension
Apalachicola Farmers Market
Saturday, May 13th & 27th 9am-1pm
Located at the Mill Pond Pavilion at 479 Market St. in Apalachicola come out to get Local seafood, produce, honey, homemade breads, pies, jewelry, art and other regional specialties offered every 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9 AM until 1 PM. If you or someone you know offers home grown or hand made products, and is interested in becoming a vendor, please email
apalachicolafarmersmarket@gmail.com
2nd Annual Forgotten Coast Fly Fishing Expo & Shrimp Boil
Saturday May 27th 4:00pm at 123 Commerce St. Apalachicola. Calling all Fly Fishermen and Fly Fisherwomen. The time has come again to chase the illusive Silver King. Join Forgotten Coast Fly Company, Clutch Fly Rods, Skinny Water Culture, Spear Boatworks and ARC Fishing in kicking off the 2017 Silver King Season. There will be live music and local 13-Mile Shrimp. Stop by and show off your casting skills and your fly tying prowess.
Crooked River Lighthouse Coastal Blessing
Sunday May 28th 3pm at 975 Hwy 98. The Crooked River Lighthouse Park will host the Coastal Blessing where church leaders from the Carrabelle community will share a blessing for the coast and a safe hurricane season from the top of the lighthouse tower at 3 pm. All are welcome to attend this free event that has become an annual tradition at the lighthouse. Light refreshments will be available after the ceremony. Come early or stay after and enjoy the Keeper's House Museum.
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