SEASHORE ANNOUNCES AUGUST LIGHTHOUSE OPEN HOUSE

Date: July 6, 2007
Contact: Wouter Ketel, [phone] Ext. 3005

Harkers Island, North Carolina. Acting Superintendent Connie Backlund announces the opening of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse for one day on Saturday, August 4, 2007, in honor of National Lighthouse Day.  

During the Open House, tower entry will be by reservation only. Reservations may be made Wednesday, July 18th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the limit is reached. Be aware that due to high demand, climbing reservations usually fill up within two hours on the reservation day. Reservations will be accepted only by phone. Call [phone] for reservations. 

Reservations may be made for family groups with a limit 5 people per group. Please remember that in order to climb you must:

·         Make a reservation during the reservation period for the Open House date.

·         Be at least eight years old (Under 16 must be escorted by an adult).

·         Be able to climb without assistance.

·         Wear shoes.

The lighthouse tower will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Climbing times will be assigned at the time you make your reservation. To allow as many to climb as possible, time on the gallery will be limited to about 10 minutes.

Remember that the lighthouse was not built with visitors in mind. Some spaces are very narrow and difficult to enter. For your safety:

·         Only handheld cameras are permitted.

·         Backpacks (including child carriers), camera cases and tripods are not permitted in the lighthouse.

·         Only small groups may be on the gallery at one time.

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is located on South Core Banks. South Core Banks is an island without bridge connections to the mainland. To reach the lighthouse will require taking one of the privately operated ferry services or using your own boat.