Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Point Betsie Lighthouse on Monday August 4th

 

The founding settlers of Benzonia landed near Point Betsie and were greeted by the newly installed lighthouse keeper 150 years ago. To celebrate this anniversary there will be a beach party and evening show. Called the Fun & Flotilla Party because private boats will be welcomed to moor just off shore while all the rest of us landlubbers are invited to sit on the beach for a combined celebration of the extended Point Betsie community. The ceremony also features the U.S. Coast Guard, celebrating 218 years and the 20th anniversary of the Nature Conservancy’s Zetterberg Preserve at Point Betsie.

 

Guests are encouraged to come early, by land or water, and enjoy the beautiful beach. Pre-show begins The historic Mackinaw sailboat will be on display in the evening and a special Point Betsie art exhibit located in the Fog Signal Building will be open as well. Bring your blankets, enjoy some cake and punch, and settle in for the beachside presentation.

The program begins at 7:00pm and features the Coast Guard Zodiac off-shore. Set on a stage against the dunes with the Lighthouse as the backdrop, visitors will enjoy a reenactment of the settlers landing on the frankfort shores, music and songs and a reading from the Zetterberg family responsible for the donated land. With Mother Nature’s cooperation the evening will end with a beautiful sunset around 9:30pm.

 

Point Betsie Road will be closed to general traffic for the evening. Parking will be available at the Crystal Lake Yacht Club or in the empty Wynkoop property on the northwest corner of where Pt. Betsie road meets M-22. A shuttle will be available at no charge or you can walk to the beach. It is a bit of a hike, uphill on the way in, so keep that in mind if you choose to walk.

 

For more information about the Sesquicentennial events at Point Betsie Lighthouse contact the Friends of Point Betsie or visit their website. To learn about all the area lighthouses please visit our special Michigan Lighthouses page sponsored in part by Suzy Voltz of Century 21 Sleeping Bear Realty.