Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Heralds the Holidays with 1000 Lights

By Louise Paiva

Come see a lighthouse all dressed up for the season. Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, located off the coast of Riverside, is known for its bright red beacon that shines on Narragansett Bay. But this holiday season, the light station will cast an even brighter glow. And you won’t need a boat to see it. Members of Friend of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse have taken advantage of the mild fall weather to string over a thousand colored lights on the century-and-a-half-year-old landmark to herald the holiday season. From the top to the bottom of the lighthouse and all around the island, the historic site will shine for the festive season.

The railing of the catwalk surrounding the lantern room, atop the island light station, will be aglow with decorative white lights. Red, white and green lights frame all sides of the lighthouse. Even the flagpole is trimmed with lights. The white picket fence surrounding the half-acre island will glow in a rainbow of colors.

Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse invite local residents and visitors to view the decorated lighthouse from the East Bay Bike Path. Park in the lot at the corner of Bullocks Point Avenue and Washington Avenue, next to Dairy Bee. The Bike Path is to the north, across Washington Avenue. It’s a short walk from the parking lot to a scenic view of the lighthouse. Starting Saturday, November 22, the lights will be turned on each night at 4:00 PM and will remain lit until 11 PM, through December 27. Bring your camera to capture a festive view of this historical landmark and a flashlight to safely return to your car.

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, is the last surviving lighthouse in upper Narragansett Bay. Since 2004, Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse have made it their mission to protect and preserve this New England landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To learn more or to join the Friends, visit: www.pomhamrockslighthouse.org