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3rd Annual Crooked River Park Fest

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The Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle, FL will be hosting their 3rd Annual Crooked River Park Fest on Saturday, February 1, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

This event features an expanded Country ‘Super’ Market, local food vendor, car show, and fish rubbing art activity. The Crooked River Lighthouse Museum & Gift Shop, lighthouse tower climbs, and the 1894 Fresnel Lens exhibit will also be open to visitors. Admission to the Crooked River Park Fest is free to the public.

The Country ‘Super’ Market will be expanded to include food vendors and regional arts and crafts vendors. Visitors can shop for gifts and treats, including batch-roasted coffee, delicious baked goods, organic, farm-fresh produce, grass-fed beef, local art, and handcrafted items. Attendees can also enjoy a meal from a local food truck and browse unique nautical gifts and souvenirs in the Keeper’s House Gift Shop.

A car show, courtesy of the Forgotten Coast Cruisers, will display a variety of vehicles, from classic and vintage models to modern custom cars, each showcasing craftsmanship and timeless appeal. This event promises to delight car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Carrabelle Artist Association will host a Fish Rubbing activity, offering a unique, hands-on creative experience. Attendees can participate in Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of fish rubbing, to create their own nautical-themed piece to take home. The cost is $20 and includes materials and personal instruction. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees may also bring their own t-shirt, apron, or other items to craft.

Guests can visit the Keeper’s House Museum from 9 am to 5 pm ET to view the original 4th Order Fresnel Lens, manufactured in Paris, France, in 1894, glowing and rotating in its exhibit. This display, a blend of science, culture, and history, highlights the importance of Fresnel lens technology. Admission to the museum is free, though donations are warmly welcomed to support the lighthouse's preservation. Tower climbs are available for visitors aged 13 and older for a $6 fee. Children 12 and under climb free when accompanied by a ticketed climber and must be at least 44 inches tall. 

Interested in being a vendor? Check out the details here:  Feb 1 | Super Country Market | VENDOR Registration    Be sure to sign up by  Friday night to ensure your spot is secured. 

 For more information, contact the Gift Shop at 850-697-2732, carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Moonlit Evening Events

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Member Social  TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 6-7 pm - with Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce

Join the Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce and the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association for a Member Social on Tuesday, June 10 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Pirate Ship at the Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle, FL. In celebration of the Strawberry Moon, guests can enjoy strawberries and cream and light refreshments while connecting with fellow members, local leaders, and community supporters. It’s a valuable chance to network and build relationships that support the community, local businesses, and organizations. Please RSVP to the Carrabelle Chamber by June 6 at 850-697-2585 or chamber@nettally.com.

At the mixer, Nicole Lamar, Senior Business Relations Representative from Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), will highlight services available locally. VR provides services to both local businesses and to individuals with disabilities by helping them find and maintain employment, while offering businesses access to a skilled workforce, training support, and recruitment assistance.

Then stay for the Moonlit Evening at Crooked River Lighthouse from 7:00-10:00 pm. 

Moonlit Evening TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 7-10 pm - Strawberry Moon

Come join us at the Crooked River Lighthouse on  Tuesday, June 10 from 7:00-10:00 pm ET in Carrabelle, FL. Experience an after-hours tour of the Keeper’s House Museum and see the exhibit of the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens constructed in 1894 in Paris, France. Browse the unique nautical gifts and souvenirs in the gift shop. Enjoy the glowing bonfire in the park. Attendees are welcome to bring a chair and enjoy the evening. Guests can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings as the sun sets and the Strawberry Moon rises. 

Evening climbs are also available for those brave souls who are bold enough to venture to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse. Climbers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach. Evening climbs cost $10 and climb tickets are needed due to limited availability. Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. Children 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult.

Tickets for climbs can be purchased online at GET TICKETS or by dropping by our gift shop.

Moonlit Evening WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 8-10 pm - Buck Moon

Come join us at the Crooked River Lighthouse on  Wednesday, July 9 from 8:00-10:00 pm ET in Carrabelle, FL. Experience an after-hours tour of the Keeper’s House Museum and see the exhibit of the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens constructed in 1894 in Paris, France. Browse the unique nautical gifts and souvenirs in the gift shop. Attendees are welcome to bring a chair and enjoy the evening. Guests can enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings as the sun sets and the Buck Moon rises. 

Evening climbs are also available for those brave souls who are bold enough to venture to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse. Climbers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach. Evening climbs cost $10 and climb tickets are needed due to limited availability. Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. Children 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult.

Tickets for climbs can be purchased online at GET TICKETS or by dropping by our gift shop.

ABOUT MOONLIT EVENING EVENTS

Enjoy this opportunity to see the gorgeous natural surroundings of the St. George Sound and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the rising moon. Take an after-hours tour of the Keeper’s House Museum and visit the exhibit for the lighthouse’s original, historic Fresnel lens. Browse inside the Lighthouse Gift Shop for unique nautical gifts and souvenirs.  Chill by the glowing bonfire in the park (weather permitting). Bring a chair and enjoy the evening with us.

At the Moonlit Evening events, evening climbs are also available for those brave souls who are bold enough to venture to the top of the tallest Forgotten Coast lighthouse. Climbers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the bay. Evening climbs cost $10. All climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. There will be a time limit for viewing from the top. Tickets are required for those who wish to climb the lighthouse tower during this event. Tickets are available by dropping by our gift shop or online. Advance purchase is strongly suggested as slots may sell out.

Guests who would like a more leisurely climbing experience are welcome to enjoy one of the daytime climbs available every Wednesday through Sunday.

Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. 

 

 

Museum Day

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ALL THREE CARRABELLE MUSEUMS JOIN TOGETHER FOR MUSEUM DAY 2024

Carrabelle’s three museums will open their doors free of charge on Saturday, October 5, 2024 as part of the annual Museum Day celebration. In honor of this day, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, Carrabelle History Museum, and Crooked River Lighthouse Museum invite you to Carrabelle FL for special activities and exhibits.

Crooked River Lighthouse will be open from 9 am – 5 pm for this event. Camp Gordon Johnston Museum from 11 am – 5 pm. Carrabelle History Museum from 10 am – 5 pm. Guests can also enjoy the expanded Country "Super" Market from 9 am - 3 pm at Crooked River Lighthouse Park with local crafts, baked goods, area produce and Carrabelle’s own A Train Stop food truck with delicious food. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Each year, Museum Day goes beyond getting visitors through museum doors; it shines a spotlight on incredible culture, sciences, and history exhibits. This year Carrabelle is celebrating the theme, “Pieces of History: Shells and Shards” and each of Carrabelle’s three history museums will each commemorate it with their own unique focus and interpretation.

Every piece tells a story. From the intricate Native American pottery shards and shells from a midden that reveal ancient cultural practices, to the remnants of WWII that highlight the courage of America’s soldiers, and the historic Fresnel lens that guided sailors to safety, these fragments together form the rich mosaic of our shared heritage.  This event shares the idea that history is composed of various fragments that, when pieced together, form a comprehensive picture of our past. Each fragment, whether it be cultural, military, or technological, provides unique insights into different eras and aspects of human experience.

Author and speaker Robert Jacob will be featured at two locations on Museum Day. Robert has over 50 years of experience in living history portrayals and is passionate about dispelling myths and inaccuracies found in historical records. He has written several books, including A Pirate’s Life in the Golden Age of Piracy, Pirates of the Florida Coast: Truths, Legends, and Myths, and Blackbeard: The Truth Revealed. He will be at the Crooked River Lighthouse from 9 am - 12 pm ET for a book signing and informal discussions and upstairs at the Carrabelle History Museum from 2 pm - 4 pm ET for a book signing and to discuss the Pirates of the Florida West Coast.

 

INFORMATION ON THE MUSEUMS


Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum - Honors the military men and women as well as civilian personnel who trained and worked in Carrabelle and Franklin County during 1942 through 1946. The museum houses numerous displays of military artifacts, photos and memorabilia of many types. Plus the Motor Pool building displays the museum’s military vehicles on site – WWII DUKW, German Lieferwagen, and WWII Jeep. Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum is located at 1873 Highway 98 West, directly across from Carrabelle Beach where military troops practiced D-Day beach assaults. Saturday hours 11 am-5 pm. www.campgordonjohnston.com/

(850) 697-8575
museum@campgordonjohnston.com


Carrabelle History Museum - Features local artifacts and exhibits including Carrabelle's Native American people, Shipwrecks of Dog Island, the Steamship “Tarpon”, the original “World’s Smallest Police Station”, Carrabelle industry and culture (seafood, lumber and more) and families from the pioneer days to the present. Carrabelle History Museum is located at 106 SE Avenue B, Carrabelle, FL. Saturday hours 10 am-5 pm. www.carrabellehistorymuseum.org

850-697-2141
carrabellehistorymuseum@gmail.com


Crooked River Lighthouse - The history and the science of the lighthouse are displayed through interesting exhibits, including a historical setting of the early 1900’s, various lighthouse beacons, the methods of constructing a skeletal tower lighthouse, plus the lighthouse’s original 1895 Fresnel lens! Also on display are the original Keeper’s House clock, a barometer, an antique glass fire grenade, and more. Crooked River Lighthouse is located at 1975 Hwy 98 West, Carrabelle. Event hours 9 am-5 pm. www.crookedriverlighthouse.com

850-697-2732
carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com

Country Markets

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FIRST & THIRD SATURDAYS 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Now is a great time to check out the Country Farmer’s Market at the Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle. Markets are 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Lighthouse Park, 1975 Hwy 98 West in Carrabelle. The open-air market at the foot of the Lighthouse features local vendors with perfect gifts and goodies like farm-fresh produce, locally handcrafted jewelry, batch roasted coffee, grass-fed beef, handmade goods and craft items, delicious baked goods including cinnamon rolls, artisan breads, and cookies, gorgeous art & photography, handcrafted balms, aromatic herbs, and so much more. Plus, there will be book signings, unique t-shirts, vegetable seeds, and exotic starter plants to explore.

 Admission to the park for the Country Market is free to the public. 

Guests can also visit the free Museum and browse inside the Lighthouse Gift Shop for unique nautical gifts. In addition, visitors have the unique opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the Bay. And make sure to look for the Spring and Fall Vintage Flea & Country Farmer's Market. 

Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council. 

BE A MARKET VENDOR!

The Market is growing steadily and is encouraging vendors to join and may sign up at any time. The cost to be a vendor is $10 a market. Vendors are asked to bring all supplies needed with them (enough cash / change for the day, table, chairs, signage, etc.). If you are interested or have questions, please contact the lighthouse at 850-697-2732 or carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com.

Museum Day

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Museum Day

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Honoring Our Military 

Back by popular demand all three of Carrabelle’s wonderful museums will open their doors on Saturday, May 1, 2021 as part of a special rescheduled Museum Day. In salute to this day, Carrabelle History Museum, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, and Crooked River Lighthouse Museum will have special activities and displays.

This year, the Carrabelle museums will use Museum Day to pay tribute to the members of our country’s Armed Forces past and present as part of National Military Appreciation Month. Military Appreciation Month was officially designated by Congress in 1999. Every year, the president issues a proclamation reminding Americans to celebrate this patriotic month by honoring those who have served in all branches of service. May was chosen because it has many individual days marked to note our military's achievements, including Memorial Day, Loyalty Day (established in 1921), Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemorating the end of WWII in Europe in 1945, Children of Fallen Patriots Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day.

The Crooked River Lighthouse will be paying tribute to veterans and heroes of the U. S. Lighthouse Service and U. S. Coast Guard and featuring the service of Carrabelle's Lighthouse Keepers including a story of local heroism. We will also be honoring the crew of a U.S. Coast Guard HU-16E Airplane who died in a crash at sea just off of Carrabelle during a search and rescue mission in the 1960s. In addition, all active-duty military and veterans can also climb the lighthouse tower for free on Saturday. Join us Saturday, May 1 from 9 am - 5 pm for Museum Day.

LINKS TO FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES

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Members & Volunteers

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photo by April Kennedy Harry

Carrabelle Lighthouse Association

In 1999 the U.S. Coast Guard had plans to surplus the Crooked River Lighthouse and auction it off to the highest bidder. It was at this time that the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association, Inc. (CLA) was formed by a dedicated group of local citizens with the goal of preserving, restoring, and opening the lighthouse to the public. In August 2001 the CLA, in conjunction with the City of Carrabelle, was successful in having the Lighthouse deeded to the City through the Federal Lands to Parks program. Since that time the CLA and City officials have worked to obtain funding for the restoration of this historic treasure of Florida's "Forgotten Coast."

Today, the CLA's members and volunteers are devoted to the worthy cause of restoring this small piece of maritime history. Through its efforts, the CLA has received funds from the Florida Lighthouse Association, the Florida Communities Trust, and the Florida Legislature. These funds have made possible the restoration of the lighthouse and improvements to the land surrounding the lighthouse. If you would like to help continue the work of maintaining the Crooked River Lighthouse, please join the CLA or make a tax deductible donation today. CLA, P.O. BOX 373, Carrabelle, FL 32322.

*The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

OFFICERS

Chairperson Kathleen Oman
Vice-Chair Tim Keith-Lucas
Secretary Marian Morris
Treasurer Albert Koch
At Large  Lori Dougherty
At Large Mark Richards
At Large  Candice Sheridan

Historians John Canetta and Rodney Reeves
Managing Director  Steve Allen
Charter Member Barbara Revell
Media and PR Sheri Wesson
Curator Joan Matey
Gift Shop Attendants
Lori Gilbertson and Barbara Ryan

MEMBERS SHINE A LIGHT!

Benefits of Membership

In addition to the personal profound satisfaction and the opportunity to join the community of volunteers and supporters at the Crooked River Lighthouse.  Members at the Crooked River Lighthouse receive the following benefits.

Free daytime tower climbs ($6 value each) plus a 10% discount on merchandise at the gift shop and full moon event tower climbs (Online reservations ONLY w/ membership code) for the term of membership:

  • INDIVIDUAL KEEPER ($25): Member named on card.
  • FAMILY KEEPER ($50): Member, spouse and children under 18.
  • BEACON KEEPER ($250 Business Membership):  Member, spouse, and family. Employees of Beacon Keeper’s business are entitled to one free climb. 50% Discount on special brick purchases to advertise your business as a supporter of the lighthouse. Business Members are entitled to a link on the CRL website and recognition in newsletters.
  • GUARDIAN OF THE LIGHT ($500): Lifetime free admission to all Crooked River Lighthouse public events for member, spouse and children under 18 or accompanying guests.
  • ENVOY OF THE LIGHT (Honorary Lifetime Membership) Award of a time in service fully vetted "GUARDIAN OF THE LIGHT" membership bestowed by unanimous vote of the Elected Board of Directors for 1 year or more of service or its equivalent as determined by the Elected Board of Directors. Includes *proxy vote or absentee vote at annual membership meeting.

All Members can opt-in to receive a monthly email announcing upcoming events.

New and renewing members will have the opportunity to complete a members-only volunteer survey indicating interest in sharing your knowledge, skills and abilities with the Crooked River Lighthouse community.

  • Interested in being a volunteer docent for the museum?
  • Would you like to lead or be a part of a committee working to expand marketing, programming or fundraising?
  • Do you have special skills or abilities (carpentry, plumbing, landscaping, gardening, etc.) to share?
  • Would you like to serve as a volunteer supporting tower climbs, parking, and more?

Please join us and support the continued preservation of the historic Crooked River Lighthouse Tower and improvements to the park.  Welcome aboard!

Help protect, preserve and restore our lighthouse's heritage.  All donations are tax deductible.
Join us or renew and pay by check  WITH THIS FORM.

Membership Terms

JOIN OR RENEW VIA PAYPAL

Name(Required)
Address
Would you like to receive our newsletter or notices about events?
Interested in Volunteering?
Let us know(Required)

Volunteers Shine the Way! (Non-Member)

Cheers to our valuable volunteers! 

Volunteering Opportunities:

  • Full Moon Events, (Greeters, Firepit Attendants, assisting lighthouse climbs with Pagers)
  • Assist at Country Market (help Vendors set-up, directing visitors)
  • Park grounds beautification: pick up branches, pine cones, pull weeds, etc.  Not to mention great exercise!
  • Clean the lighthouse tower
  • Garden – help maintain, pull weeds, assist Country Market produce sales
  • Inside & outside of Keeper’s House: Clean, sweep or pressure wash porch; minor repairs inside & out
  • Assist in Gift Shop and Museum; office/inside chores
  • Carpentry skills appreciated anytime!
  • Lantern Fest in November

We need and value volunteers!  Visit our Calendar for upcoming events.  Contact us: carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or 850-697-2732.

Crooked River Lighthouse Museum Volunteers Can: 

Get a 10% discount on any items purchased in the gift shop. (Excluding consignment items)

One free daytime tower climb per week.

CLA Selected for U.S. Lighthouse Society Grant

CRLH Tower by David StahlerThe Carrabelle Lighthouse Association Inc. (CLA) was recently selected to receive a $1,000 grant from the United States Lighthouse Society on behalf of the Crooked River Lighthouse and Keeper’s House Museum. We are one of 35 lighthouses in the nation and only 4 in Florida to receive a 2021 Emergency Relief Grant from the U.S. Lighthouse Society.

The grant specifically provides financial assistance for operational expenses for lighthouses due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum’s revenue and attendance were significantly impacted last year by the pandemic. Steve Allen, Board President for the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association said, “We are very grateful to the United States Lighthouse Society. These funds will help us continue to share this historic treasure with the community and the public.”

The United States Lighthouse Society is a nonprofit historical and educational organization dedicated to saving and sharing the rich maritime legacy of American lighthouses and supporting lighthouse preservation throughout the nation.

Crooked River Lighthouse and Keeper’s House Museum is located in Carrabelle, just west of the Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle. The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association is 501c3 non-profit devoted to the worthy cause of maintaining and sharing the Crooked River Lighthouse as a piece of maritime history. For more information, contact Crooked River Lighthouse at (850) 697-2732 or keeper@crookedriverlighthouse.com.