Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival North Wildwood, New Jersey

It was the first weekend of summer and although rainclouds were overhead it still became a perfect day to visit the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Maritime Festival in the Village of Anglesea, North Wildwood, New Jersey.  The festival is held each year celebrating life by the sea.  The lighthouse is maintained by the Friends of Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Inc. with money generated by tours, gift shops and fun raising projects.  The sun made an occasional appearance and it became a delightful day.

Hereford is a residential style, which means it combines both the keeper's house and light tower in one structure.  It is also a harbor light, not a major coastal lighthouse.  It was built to mark the entrance to the Inlet and is still a working navigational aide.  The beacon can be seen on a perfectly clear night 13 nautical miles and the lighthouse goes on automatically at dark.

In the rear of the lighthouse there is a beautiful, peaceful garden where an individual can walk or sit and enjoy the loveliness of the well maintained plants and flowers.

A short distance from the garden we were able to walk up a slight ramp to view the inlet. With the lighthouse in the background and the view of the inlet the view was breath taking.

 

  

After viewing the inlet we returned to the lighthouse courtyard where artists, crafters, authors. historians, lighthouse museums joined together for a weekend of fun and festivities.

Oh, I am the captain of the good ship "Pleasure"

Come join my crew in search of a treasure.

Pirate stories and musicians captured the imagination of many and the children enjoyed the stage performances.

The food and exhibits added to the festival.

The overcast sky did not keep the beach goers away, although not many took the challenge of a cool surf.  Before we left we took a walk on the concrete walk, of course not getting close to the edge.  Birds and children were part of a very scenic view not to be forgotten. 

                                          HAVING A GREAT DAY