Barnegat Lighthouse Restoration

Barnegat Lighthouse | credit: USCG

Barnegat Lighthouse will be closed to visitors for approximately seven months for a $1.3 million restoration of the historic lighthouse, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The lighthouse closure began Monday, March 14. Construction work through October will involve a complete exterior restoration of the lighthouse, masonry recoating and repairs to the brick facade, interior lantern steel platform repairs, roof repairs, and the installation of new windows. 

The lighthouse will remain dark for the duration of the project being done by Spartan Construction General Contracting, Inc. of South Amboy.

Scaffolding will also be erected for the entire height of the lighthouse. The restoration project is funded by the Corporate Business Tax.

As part of the restoration effort, the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse will donate a new beacon light for the lighthouse as well as new security fencing. 

After being decommissioned in 1927, the Barnegat Lighthouse sat dark until January 1, 2009 when the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse donated the current light.

Located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, the Barnegat Lighthouse is one of the signature destinations along the Jersey shore and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park will remain open during the renovation, including the park office, interpretive center, fisherman’s walkway, and trails. During the restoration, Americans with Disabilities Act access will not be available along the fisherman’s walkway.

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a popular destination for fishing, hiking, birding, picnicking, and other outdoor recreation.

Lighthouse enthusiasts can visit several historic navigational aids in New Jersey including Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands, Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City, and Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point.

More information about New Jersey’s parks, forests, and historic sites can be found at www.njparksandforests.org.

source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Nautical Christmas Events - Things To Do

Montauk Lighthouse | credit USCG

The Mid Atlantic Region is known for its nautical events. This post focuses on nautical theme Christmas and winter holiday things to do in the area.


New York

Christmas with Santa 2019 at the Montauk Lighthouse

Santa Claus himself will be at the Montauk Point Lighthouse on Sunday, December 1st, 2019 from - 11:00 AM - 03:00 PM. Families will enjoy caroling, pony rides, and more.


New Jersey

West Cape May (WCM) Community Christmas Parade

Always the first Saturday in December, The West Cape May (WCM) Community Christmas Parade sets the stage for the areas holiday season. Now in its 54th year, the parade steps off at 5:00pm sharp from the WCM Volunteer Firehouse and marches South on Broadway, winds East on Perry, and onto Carpenter Lane in the City of Cape May. The Parade reschedules to December 8th in the event of inclement weather.


Maryland

Baltimore Inner Harbor Boat Parade

An annual parade of lighted boats is scheduled to occur in the Northwest and Inner Harbors at Baltimore, MD on December 7, 2019, between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The holiday season boat parade consists of 30 sail and power vessels (19-60 feet in length). Vessels will gather in the Northwest Harbor near Canton at Anchorage Marina, proceed to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and conduct two counter-clockwise loops before returning to the starting area. Participants will be supported by sponsor-provided watercraft. Additional event information is available at www.anchoragemarina.com.

Middle River Boat Parade

An annual holiday season boat parade is scheduled to occur in the Middle River on November 30, 2019, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Approximately 100 sail and power vessels (15 to 60 feet in length) will operate along the Middle River and its tributaries, near Baltimore County, MD. Participants will be supported by sponsor-provided safety vessels.

Ocean City MD Winterfest of Lights

This year's Ocean City MD Winterfest of Lights runs November 21 - December 31, 2019. On display will be more than one million holiday lights and hundreds of animated light displays throughout Northside Park. Relax and sip hot chocolate in the heated Winterfest Village pavilion, take a photo with Santa, and board the Winterfest Express to tour fairy tale themed exhibits. The one-mile journey takes visitors through 58 acres of lights and features a 50-foot Christmas tree.

Christmas in St. Michaels

Christmas in St. Michaels is held annually the second weekend in December in historic St. Michaels, Maryland. Ticketed and free events include the Tour of Homes, Holiday Gala, Breakfast with Santa, and the Christmas Parade along Talbot Street, the largest holiday parade on the Eastern Shore.


Virginia

Holiday Parade at the Beach - Virginia Beach

On Saturday, December 7, at 5:30pm, the Cox Communications Holiday Parade at the Beach will include giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and Santa. The parade travels north on Atlantic Avenue from 15th Street to 25th Street. The reviewing stand is located at 25th Street and Atlantic Avenue.

Related Information

Christmas In New England

Baltimore Inner Harbor

Hampton Roads Christmas Holiday Events 2019

Things To Do In Ocean City MD

Cargo Containers Lost off North Carolina

On Mar. 4, 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a warning to mariners of navigation hazards after about 70 cargo containers fell off of a cargo ship about 17 miles off Oregon Inlet, North Carolina.

On Saturday night March 3rd, 2018, the cargo ship Maersk Shanghai contacted watchstanders at Sector North Carolina’s command center via VHF-FM marine radio channel 16, notifying them that they lost approximately 70 to 73 cargo containers due to high winds and heavy seas.

The Coast Guard urges all mariners to transit this area with caution.

source: U.S. Coast Guard 5th District

US Wind Tower Off Ocean City MD

US Wind MD is proposing to establish a meteorological tower within the Maryland Wind Energy Area approximately 15.5 miles east of Ocean City, Maryland. US Wind anticipates establishing the tower in August 2016.

The tower will be located at 38 21 09.9 N, 074 45 12.8 W. Its mast height will be approximately 100 m (328 feet) above mean sea level, and will be made of steel construction, including Braced Caisson foundation (3 legs), deck, and lattice framework tower.

The foundation and deck will be yellow, approximately comprising the first 60 feet of the structure above mean sea level. The tower lattice structure will be painted red and white, comprising the remainder of the tower height.

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has determined that the tower will be deemed a Class A structure, meeting the requirements of 33 CFR 67.20. This means it will be equipped with white obstruction lights with 5 mile visibility and a sound signal with 2 mile range. Additionally, the tower will be fitted with aircraft warning lights.

source: U.S. Coast Guard