On Tuesday, Nov. 9, former Burnt Island Lighthouse Keepers Paul Kelley, Randy Griffing, Hank Sieg and Jim McCullough’s son Steve will climb the spiral stairs into the lantern-room to illuminate the lamp in the Fresnel lens. This monumental event will occur on the exact night of its 200th Anniversary for local and state residents to witness and celebrate.

Thanks to the generosity of the Spruce Point Inn, a party will take place on their grounds in direct view of the Burnt Island Light Station. The nonprofit organization Keepers of the Burnt Island Light have activities planned that will include games and making s’mores. Cajun street food favorites of tacos, quesadillas, jambalaya, and fries, plus fried dough, kettle corn, fudge and fresh squeezed lemonade will be available to purchase from “Food Trucks A-Go” starting at 4:30 p.m.

When darkness finally settles in around 5:30 p.m. party-goers will gather on the deck to provide former keepers with the countdown to relight the beacon that they once so lovingly cared for. This will mark its 73,000th night of service to mariners and local fishermen, with Coast Guard and state officials on hand to certify this historic event.

In preparation of Burnt Island Light’s bicentennial, area school children will be learning about its history and creating works of art that will be on display at the Spruce Point Inn. Homeschoolers are welcome to participate by requesting project and drop-off information by emailing the Keepers of Burnt Island Light at: keepersofburntislandlight@gmail.com.

Come celebrate Boothbay Harbor’s beloved icon and enjoy the magnificent fireworks that will light up the sky above and waters below Maine’s oldest “original” lighthouse!