This holiday season, walk a trail illuminated by 24 lighthouses—creatively built using everything from stone, gingerbread, toilet paper tubes and sugar cubes from France – in the 10th annual “Festival of Lighthouses” at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
From Nov. 19 through Jan. 16, 2012, Aquarium visitors can follow these homemade beacons through the galleries and then cast a vote for their favorite. The lighthouse with the most votes wins $1,500.
The display is free with Aquarium admission.
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“This is always a highlight of the holidays—for staff and for our visitors,” said Chris Loynd, the Aquarium’s marketing director. “We’re always awed at all the thought and effort that the builders put into their lighthouses. And it certainly adds a festive spirit to the galleries.”
Rules are kept to a minimum to allow for maximum creativity. Lighthouses must be 3 to 6 feet tall and have a working light, and may not include animal remains (including shells). Beyond that, it’s up to the creators’ imaginations.
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Entries in the display this year include a lighthouse made out of toilet-paper tubes, another made of welded copper, a Cat in the Hat-themed light, a light whose shingles are made from men’s neckties and another made of gingerbread. Other entrants took on the challenge of building a detailed replica of a real lighthouse, including the Greens Ledge lighthouse in Norwalk, the Black Rock lighthouse in Bridgeport and the Staten Island (N.Y.) lighthouse.
“The competition—and quality—should be good, because the top five winners last year are all back this year,” Loynd said. “Plus, to celebrate our milestone 10th year for the display, we’ve upped the ante by increasing all the prize awards by 50 percent.”
Besides the $1,500 top award, other prizes are: $750 for second place, $375 for third; $300 for fourth; $225 for fifth; and $150 for sixth. Winners will be announced at an evening reception on Jan. 19.
The “2011 Festival of Lighthouses” is free with Maritime Aquarium general admission, which is $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors (65+) and $9.95 for children 2-12.
For more details about Maritime Aquarium exhibits, IMAX movies and programs, call (203) 852-0700 or go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org.
