lighthouses, as well as their history and the need for preservation, but
Maine Open Lighthouse Day will accomplish much more than that.
The event will also serve as a boost to Maine’s economy – at a time when we
could use it most, by providing coastal communities with an exciting
heritage tourism opportunity to rally around during the all-important
“shoulder season.”
With a little energy and creativity, communities can transform a one-day
event into a weekend-long celebration of Maine’s alluring maritime heritage
that is capable of attracting visitors near and far – visitors who will
obtain a memorable experience, and in turn, enjoy patronizing Maine
businesses and cultural interests.
Another important opportunity that Maine Open Lighthouse Day presents to all
of us is the chance to convey our deep appreciation and admiration for the
United States Coast Guard – a proud organization that is as much a part of
coastal Maine as lobsters and the Pine Tree State’s breathtaking seascapes.
The Coast Guard has kept Maine’s lighthouses “winking & blinking” since 1939
and is “always ready” to safeguard mariners and recreational boaters when
the need arises.
Maine’s lighthouse history is forever connected to the heritage of the Coast
Guard, which makes Maine Open Lighthouse Day such a wonderful statewide
platform to publicly recognize and thank the Coast Guard through our
lighthouse and community events.
As with any event of this magnitude and importance, there are inherent
challenges to making it a success, but a success it will be.
The U.S. Coast Guard is to be highly commended for their sincere interest in
Maine’s lighthouses and our coastal communities – and for working to share
this amazing heritage with the public.
The Maine Open Lighthouse Day partnership between the United States Coast
Guard, Maine Office of Tourism and the American Lighthouse Foundation has
yielded an historic event in the making.
Just how deeply rewarding this historic event is to Maine’s individual
lighthouse organizations, coastal businesses, and residents and visitors
alike, is up to us.
Let’s add our own appealing and unique “shine” to Maine Open Lighthouse Day
and together, celebrate lighthouses, community vitality and the Pine Tree
State’s charm and one-of-a-kind hospitality!
More Information:
Open Lighthouse Day At A Glance
Maine Open Lighthouse Day to Spotlight Historic
Beacons,
Coast Guard and Coastal Maine
(Posted July 7,2009)
Posted: July 2009
