Pigeon Point Lighthouse get annual lighting Saturday

California State Parks invites the public to attend the 136th anniversary celebration of Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park on November 15th. On this date in 1872 Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the tallest on California coast, was first lit. This year’s celebration will take place from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. with a relighting of the original first order Frensel lens taking place from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Day long festivities include interpretive exhibits and presentations showcasing the natural, cultural and maritime history of Pigeon Point inside the historic Fog Signal Building. Lighthouse videos, marine mammal exhibits and light refreshments will also be available. Uniformed lighthouse docents will present free ground tours from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Visitors can find an assortment of lighthouse related books, gifts and apparel inside the "Keeper’s Store."

The highlight of the event occurs when State Parks, along with assistance from the United States Coast Guard, relights the original 8,000-pound first order Fresnel lens. This event is attended by hundreds of visitors each year, with many photographers hoping to capture that magic moment when the lens is lit and beams of light radiate around the top the 115 foot tall lighthouse. The anniversary celebration is sponsored by the San Mateo Coast Natural History Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting interpretive and educational programs in the State Parks of the San Mateo Coast. This yearly event is made possible by the continued support from Hostelling International, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol.

Pigeon Point Light Station is located off Highway One near Pescadero, California, approximately fifty miles south of San Francisco. For more information, call the Pigeon Point information line at (650) 879-2120 Friday through Sunday or visit online at www.parks.ca.gov.

Information about California State Parks Foundation’s lighthouse restoration campaign can be found at www.calparks.org.