Night at the Light

Erin Phillips

Support the restoration of the historic Presque Isle Light Station while enjoying food, drinks, music, art, and sunset trips to the top of the lighthouse at their annual fundraiser, Night at the Light.

SATURDAY, AUG. 10

Erie is an essential port city with a rich maritime history. It is home to three lighthouses — the Land Lighthouse, Erie Harbor North Pierhead Light, and the Presque Isle Lighthouse — the latter two of which are still in use for navigational aid today. In the 150+ years since their construction, and with the ever-changing conditions of Presque Isle State Park, the need for preservation is more apparent than ever.

On Aug. 10, the Presque Isle Lighthouse will open its doors for a 21+ night of fun, food, and great music to raise additional funding towards renovations and preservation of our lighthouses. Music will be provided by Key West Express and food will be catered by Pineapple Eddie.

In addition to food and music, the lighthouse will offer nighttime tower climbs, yard games, a popcorn machine, and the chance to win various prizes provided by local businesses and artists.

Averie Shaughnessy-Comfort is the executive director of the Presque Isle Light Station, also known as Lake Erie Lights. After the success of the lighthouse's previous fundraisers, she is excited to welcome back guests and sponsors for another sandy soiree: "Thanks to these funds, we've been able to move our timeline up on many necessary projects, the next one being some much-needed TLC to the Presque Isle Lighthouse's tower base."

The lighthouse was once a private residence to its keepers and park staff. However, its transition into a public building has required continuous care and maintenance, "We have been very fortunate to be recipients of grants and funding that have allowed us to completely renovate the Presque Isle Lighthouse, bringing it back to its period of significance between 1900 and 1920. The summer kitchen is the last piece of that project."

Renovations are projected to finish by the end of the operating season.

Consider a gift to the Presque Isle Light Station / Lake Erie Lights on Erie Gives day by visiting eriegives.org

6 p.m. // Presque Isle Lighthouse, 301 Peninsula Dr. // $85 for members, $105 for non-members // For tickets and info: presqueislelighthouse.org/experiences/fundraiser