A fun-filled afternoon is planned for November 18, 2023 as California State Parks and Coastside State Parks Association celebrate the 151st anniversary of the first lighting of the Fresnel lens.

Guided history tours of the Lighthouse ground floor and children’s activities will be hosted by the Pigeon Point docents. Music will play through the afternoon and many local parks will be represented.

This may be the last time tours of the Lighthouse ground floor will be offered before the restoration work begins next year.

Throughout the day, local author JoAnn Semones will be onsite to discuss her books and personalize a message inside any copy that is purchased. “Whalers, Wharves and Warfare”  is JoAnn’s second volume of stories about the people and events that shaped Pigeon Point, while “Shipwrecks, Scalawags & Scavengers”, her original book on Pigeon Point, tells the history of the Lighthouse and the shipwrecks along the coast in her easy to read essay style. Her later books “Hard Luck Coast”, “Sea of Troubles” and “Pirates, Pinnacles and Petticoats” explore the stories for other lighthouses along the coast in the same manner.   All five of JoAnn’s books will be available.

Then, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Fog Signal Building will remain open to show off the magnificent First Order Fresnel lens.  Be sure to bring a flashlight if you plan on remaining at the park until dark.

We look forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy this annual celebration.

This event may be cancelled if foul weather is anticipated .