National Lighthouse Weekend on Bald Head Island

The official National Lighthouse Day is on August 7th, 2017. On this day the US Bureau of Lighthouses was created back in 1789. Lighthouses mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, safe entries to harbors and also assists in aerial navigation. With modern electronic navigational systems on the scene the number of operational lighthouses has declined. Join us as we celebrate history during National Lighthouse Day Weekend “Two Centuries of Light” on Bald Head Island. 

The weekend starts out with Old Baldy Buzz on Friday, August 4th. Donations have been coming in all summer long in the name of island residents and workers. At 4:00pm the donations are added up and the one whose name brought in the largest sum will have their hair buzzed! This free event is open to the public, offers light refreshments and a whole lot of laughs. 

On Saturday, August 5th, the festivities begin with Old Baldy Duck Race at 2:00pm. Ducks can still be purchased to race. Each duck is $10 or 11 ducks for $100. The winning duck will win the grand prize of $500!  

On Saturday evening meet at Old Baldy for cocktails and appetizers at 5:30pm. Then off to Bald Head Island Club for dinner, drinks and dancing! This 1817 dinner is truly a colonial inspired event.

Sunday, August 6th, National Lighthouse Day Festival will be held at 4:00pm on the Lighthouse Grounds. Enjoy an afternoon featuring Colonial Actors around the grounds who will share exciting tales of the region’s past. There will be games played, craft stations, lighthouse climbs, a beer garden and so much more! 

A scenic race on Bald Head at sunset will take place at 6:30pm. Run for the Light is a 5k, 10k and 1 mile run toward the light of the lighthouse. Each runner will receive a glow in the dark tee shirt and headlamp.  

Celebrate National Lighthouse Day as well as the 200th birthday of Old Baldy. Three days of non-stop fun and festivities on Bald Head Island! 

Published on Friday, July 28, 2017