Maine Open Lighthouse Day Will Take a Pause in 2020

West Quoddy Head Light, Lubec
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

Nothing about the year 2020 has been normal so far. Throughout the nation – and the world at large, everyone in one form or another is coping with challenges related to the ongoing public health emergency. Even lighthouses have been forced to adapt to this serious and fluid situation.

Given all the hurdles that would be associated with keeping both visitors and volunteers as safe as possible, it has been decided to err on the side of caution and cancel the 2020 Maine Open Lighthouse Day, which was set to occur on Saturday, September 12.

This was not an easy decision by any stretch. Since 2009, Maine Open Lighthouse Day has been one of those annual events that the public looks forward to – as do the event’s sponsors, the U.S. Coast Guard, Maine Office of Tourism and the American Lighthouse Foundation.

However, rather than dwell too much on the shared disappointment of having to cancel the event for this year, we are instead enthusiastically looking forward to Maine Open Lighthouse Day in 2021 – a time when we can once again open the doors of around two dozen historic sentinels to YOU!

Burnt Coat Harbor Light, Swan’s Island
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

As many of you know, Maine’s lighthouses have a long and fascinating history as guardians of our rugged coastline. For centuries, these sentinels have stood strong against raging storms, remained vigilant through darkness and impenetrable fog and garnered the admiration of countless thousands of mariners for their unconditional lifesaving powers.

The Pine Tree State’s lighthouses are also beloved for their romance, mystery and the valiant service of their keepers. And though technology has reduced the critical reliance upon lighthouses as navigational aids for those at sea, the allure and intrigue people have for lighthouses remains undiminished.

Samuel Adams Drake once said, “There is nothing that moves the imagination like a lighthouse.” No truer words have been spoken. In fact, it seems the public’s fascination with lighthouses only grows with the passage of time.

Marshall Point Light, Port Cylde
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)

Fun and memories-in-the-making are never in short supply during Maine Open Lighthouse Day. The photogenic sentinels and their sparkling seascapes beckon visitors at every turn, as does the longstanding tradition of keeping a good light as well.

For though Maine’s lighthouses punctuate a rocky coastline with unsurpassed elegance and grace, their commissioned duty to serve as guardians of the sea, remains unchanged at many of the state’s historic light stations.

So mark your calendars! Maine Open Lighthouse Day will return with a new passion and enthusiasm in 2021. Next year’s event is set for Saturday, September 11, 2021. Until then, “Keep Your Light Shining” for others!

Bass Harbor Head Light, Tremont
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)