Lighthouse to host festival Friday

The unusual, the eerie and the sublime. That pretty much describes Friday evening at the 40 Mile Point lighthouse north of Rogers City. In conjunction with the annual Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival, the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Society will literally shine a light on the only square lighthouse on Lake Huron.

Society member Tom Stone said after dark Friday, the members of the group will be illuminating not only the tower of the lighthouse, but surrounding trails parallel to the beach to provide a unique opportunity for visitors to walk the grounds of this historic and unique lighthouse, and the trails near the beach as well.

"The tower will be available to climb that evening but visitors will not have access to the lamp room that would sort of defeat the purpose of the after dark event," Stone said. "We will be illuminating the tower and the buildings with spotlights to provide one of the most unusual settings a lighthouse photographer ever had at this site. The trails near the Lake Huron shoreline will also be lighted to further set the mood."

Stone said nearly all of the buildings will be accessible and illuminated and there will also be live music provided by a number of acoustical musicians. He said anyone with a non-electric instrument is welcome to join in and make the night even more special.

"We will have the pavilion open for the public and all the music will be in the area," Stone said. "We also will have the gift shop open for anyone looking for a special souvenir of the evening. I should add that there is no fee to take part in the 5th annual night at the lighthouse where else can you have a special night without being asked for money?"

Weather won't be a factor, according to Stone, but he cautioned it will be a bit on the chilly side since the lighthouse is close to the shoreline. He suggests dressing warmly and to bring a rain poncho just in case. There are several buildings to seek shelter in, but space is limited.

The music and fun starts at 7 p.m. Friday and ends at 9 p.m., but Stone said the music some nights just doesn't seem to end on schedule.

"This is just a night of fun in the fall, especially for lighthouse fans," Stone said. "Sort of a last hurrah for the season."

The 40 Mile Point lighthouse is located approximately five miles north of Rogers City, off US-23. Parking is limited.

Mike Modrzynski can be reached via e-mail at mmodrzynski@thealpenanews.com.