– The Crooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle, FL will be hosting the first ever Crooked River Park Fest on Saturday, February 4 from 9 am-9 pm in celebration of the new exhibit for its historic Fresnel lens. This event starts off with an extended Country Farmer’s Market. Then, in the evening, the festivities continue with a special benefit concert Full Moon event with live music, full moon climbs, and food vendors under the stars. The Crooked River Lighthouse Museum and Tower will be open to visitors from 9am-9pm.
 
The morning begins with the extended Country Market from 9 am-3 pm, which has been expanded to include food vendors, over 30 regional arts and crafts vendors and music. Visitors can shop with wonderful vendors with fresh roasted coffee, delicious baked goods, farm fresh produce, grass-fed beef, local art, handcrafted balms and soaps. Admission to the park for the Country Market is free to the public (9am to 3 pm).
 
Inside the Keeper’s House Museum guests will be some of the first to see the brand new exhibit for the Crooked River Lighthouse's original Fresnel lens manufactured in Paris, France in 1894. After decades away, the lens finally returned home to Carrabelle on February 19, 2020. This one-of-a-kind lens, now housed in a newly created steel lighthouse tower-inspired case, is glowing and turning again for the first time in almost 50 years. The exhibit will feature artifacts and interpretive panels highlighting the history of lenses and mariner communication. The new case along with the interpretive exhibits were funded through the Florida Lighthouse Association grant programs. Because of expected interest and limited space, viewing time may be limited during this event. Exhibit will be open to the public on February 4th from 9 am-3pm (free) and 6-9pm (admission tickets required).
 
As darkness falls, the stage will heat up for this special Full Moon Event and Benefit Concert from 6 pm-9 pm. The new Crooked River Lighthouse Park Stage will host a benefit concert featuring Nashville’s international Pirate Band and Franklin County favorite, Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers. Also returning to the ‘under construction’ dock stage, the beloved Tallahassee Community College (TCC) dancers, frequently featured entertainment at Lantern Fest.
 
This special evening event will feature food vendors, bon fire, full moon climbs and after-hours visits in the Keeper’s House Museum. Bring a chair and enjoy the evening.  Clear skies permitting and with the glow of a rising moon, evening tower climbers may spot Carrabelle Beach, Dog Island, and moonlight sparkles of St. George Sound. All climbers must be at least 44 inches tall.  Advance tickets packages for this full moon fundraiser start at $15 and are available on the Crooked River Lighthouse website at https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com. Children (under 12) are free with adult only. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the new Crooked River Park pirate ship and stage. (Food and tower climbs available for additional cost.)
 
Crooked River Lighthouse is located in Carrabelle, just west of the Carrabelle Public Beach Park at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle. For more information, contact the gift shop at 850-697-2732, carrabellelighthouse@gmail.com or https://www.crookedriverlighthouse.com. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.