Town of Manteo To Dedicate Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and Boathouse

The Town of Manteo will dedicate the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and rededicate the George Washington Creef Boathouse at a gala celebration on Saturday, September 25 beginning at noon. A free community cookout, with hot dogs and hamburgers, will follow the dedication at the George Washington Creef Park.

The program for the dedication will be opened by Manteo Mayor John Wilson and will include the history of the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, its intended use today and a look at the future for the downtown waterfront. Following the tradition ringing of the bell, the lighthouse will be open for tours. The permanent display, created by the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, will be available for viewing. The construction of the lighthouse was funded, in part, by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

Photo by Melody Leckie

Many activities are scheduled for the afternoon. The Manteo Fire Department will offer a ceremonial water spray, The Elizabeth II will fire a swivel gun, garbed interpreters will be on hand from Roanoke Island Festival Park and Chicamacominco Lifesaving Station, free boat rides on the Spirit of Roanoke Island, rope making and knot-tying demonstrations, children’s activities, story-telling and more.

Music will be presented by Bett Padgett and Dulcimer Dan. Ms Padgett is president of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society and has recorded several CD’s.

The Creef Boathouse will feature a display on racing boats. In addition, Pirate’s Cove Marina will present a display on the local boat building industry and how it impacts our offshore fishing business.

Several non-profits will offer information on their organization. They include; Outer Banks Lighthouse Society & Outer Banks Lighthouse Lovers, Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island, Chesapeake Chapter, US Lighthouse Society, Friend of Elizabeth II, Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station and the United Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Several vintage watercrafts will be in the water. Roanoke Island Festival Park’s Silver Chalice will be participating. Junior sailors will be demonstrating the Optimist and 420 sailboats. Other community sailboats will also be sailing on the waterfront. Local boaters are invited to arrive by water and dock at the town’s facilities.

The day will conclude with a movie at 7:30 p.m. shown on the Manteo waterfront. For additional information on the event call (252) 473-2133