Jupiter, FL: Anyone glancing over at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse on Saturday, September 16th would have seen an endless stream of eager climbers amidst a blur of happy, blue-shirted volunteers. The Second Annual Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Day celebration was a tremendous success, with over two hundred and fifty climbers earning their "I Survived the Climb!" certificate. Taking advantage of the special two-for-one admission and the beautiful day, visitors came to stretch their legs and learn a little history about the beloved landmark, recently designated "Best Florida Lighthouse" by Florida Monthly Magazine.
Earlier in the week, Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners officially declared September 16, 2006 Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Day. Commissioner Karen Marcus presented the official proclamation to Roger Buckwalter, Chairman of the Board of the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, honoring the 146-year-old lighthouse.
Lighthouse Day kicks off annual fund-raising efforts for the maintenance of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, an ongoing and expensive endeavor undertaken by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society since 1994. The Step Up to the Light campaign began in 2004 and continues this year. Supporters can "adopt" one of the 105 steps of the lighthouse for one year with a donation of $150 to the Loxahatchee River Historical Society.
Contributions are used for maintenance and repair of the historic lighthouse. Major repairs this year include replacing 96 panes of astragal glass at the top of the tower that protect the rare First-Order Fresnel Lens. Contributors are honored on a beautiful museum quality panel in the Visitor Center and on the popular Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse website for one year. Steps are still available. If you would like to Step Up and help preserve the Jupiter Light or for further information please call 561-747-6639 or visit:
www.jupiterlighthouse.org.