By Heather Killen
The Spectator
NovaNewsNow.com
A lobster dinner is being held to benefit a local landmark.
The Hampton Lighthouse and Historical Society is holding its third annual lobster supper on the beach July 7 in support of the Hampton lighthouse. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased by July 1.
The dinner will take place rain, or shine, and includes a freshly cooked lobster, a bun, potato salad, and coleslaw. Last year the group sold more than 180 dinners, according to Brinton Forbes.
“We’re inviting everyone to come out to the best beach east of Digby,” he said. “Bring your own tables, chairs, utensils, blanket, beverages and just enjoy dinner and the view.”
The lobsters will be bought from the local fishermen and cooked onsite at the wharf. People can begin picking up dinners at 4:30 p.m. until about 6 p.m. on July 7. In the event of rain people can still pick up the dinners, but they’ll probably want to take them to a dry place to enjoy them.
Supports Lighthouse
The dinners started three years ago as a fundraiser to help maintain the lighthouse, according to Forbes. The lighthouse, now just over a century old, still shines as a shoreline marker.
“It’s still a beacon that shows people the way to Hampton,” he said. “It’s a very special part of the community.”
Forbes added that on a clear day the lighthouse offers a magnificent view of about seven miles out to sea, while the beacon is visible about 11 miles to mariners.
Last year the society marked the 100th anniversary of this beacon and was able to hire a site interpreter to be available to visitors from late June until early September.
He added that the community is fortunate to have this built heritage and enough interested volunteers to keep the light burning. Over the years, volunteers have maintained the lighthouse, making repairs where necessary.
Exhibits on Display
Semi-permanent exhibits are now on display, including audio-visual displays. While the lighthouse needs a fresh coat of paint this year, the next project is likely to be a walkway and steps to make the entrance more accessible.
Thanks to a government grant, the lighthouse will be open to visitors again for 10 weeks this summer, with the interpreter on site five hours a day, Monday through Saturday.
On Sundays, volunteers will be available to answer questions. Last year more than 650 people signed the guest book, but Forbes estimates this is only a small number of those who actually visited the site.
Tickets
Tickets for the lobster dinner are $15 and available until July 1 at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Bridgetown, the First Nova Scotia Credit Union in Bridgetown, the Bridgetown Pharmasave, or by contacting Brinton Forbes at 665-2099.
