Lighthouse Lore - America's First Lighthouse

Sheffield Island Lighthouse off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut shares a proud history with lighthouses around the world. Although, not an active lighthouse, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and is still a beacon for boaters and visitors who cruise with us every summer to tour it and enjoy our private island. In our continuing winter series of Lighthouse Lore, we are featuring America's first lighthouse. 

Today, active lighthouses are overseen by the United States Coast Guard, which is responsible for the upkeep, and maintenance of all lighthouses and light vessels in the United States. It wasn't always that way, and the evolution of the control of lighthouses and the story of America's first publically funded lighthouse is interesting.

Two Historic Lighthouses at Chesapeake Bay

The story begins in New York City's Federal Hall in 1789  during the first session of the First United States Congress. During this historic session, the U.S. Treasury was founded, George Washington was inaugurated as the nation's first President, and the United States Lighthouse Establishment was created. It was also at this session that Jacob Wray asked Alexander Hamilton, the newly appointed Secretary of the Treasury to build a lighthouse on the shoreline of Cape Henry, which had already claimed 57 maritime vessels. There was a great deal of public pressure for safe waterways and navigation, so Hamilton contracted designer John McComb Jr., the designer of the planned residence of the President to construct a lighthouse and light up the shoreline of Chesapeake Bay.

Cape Henry Lighthouse - America's First

At this juncture, all U.S. lighthouse ownership was transferred to the Federal Government and the newly formed General Lighthouse Authority. In 1792, the first federally funded public works construction project authorized by George Washington and overseen by Alexander Hamilton began with the construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. This location was considered strategic because of the large volume of shipping traffic that was headed into the bay. The vital ports of Norfolk, Newport News, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. are all accessed through Chesapeake Bay. 

The Octagonal Structure of Cape Henry Lighthouse, a classic!

The lighthouse is an octagonal structure that is 26 feet wide and rises 90 feet to the tower with three windows in the east and four in the west. Like much of Washington D.C. at that time, the  Cape Henry Lighthouse was built of Aquia and Rappahannock sandstone. It was completed in October of 1792 for $17,700.  After its completion, George Washington himself asked for applications for the lighthouse keeper who was selected by him. The first keeper, Laban Goffigan, of Norfolk, Virginia was hired in late October 1792. The lighthouse lit the bay with lamps that burned fish oil. The Cresset was one of the earliest types of lamps used in a lighthouse that burned fish oil. It consisted of a bowl hollowed out of stone which was filled with fish oil with one or more small rope wicks.  

Cape Henrys Lighthouses are located near where English settlers first arrived 

Adding to its storied past, during the American Civil War, the Cape Henry Lighthouse was damaged by Confederate forces, but repaired in 1863 by Union forces. They depended on its light for navigation and merchant ships depended on it to deliver their supplies. Unfortunately, in the 1870s a lightning strike caused large cracks in the Cape Henry Lighthouse and its stability came into question.  Congress was made aware of this and decided to build a second lighthouse here because of its strategic location. The second lighthouse, which is much taller and made of metal plates with a distinctive black and white stripe was constructed in 1881. It was built a mere 350 feet away from the original lighthouse and remains in use today. The original Cape Henry Lighthouse remains standing acting as a daylight marker for triangulation. 

In 1930, the lighthouse was acquired by Preservation Virginia. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2002, today it welcomes visitors to tour this historic edifice that played a role in guiding ships to their destination safely for well over 100 years.

Did You Know...

The Cape Henry Lighthouse is the fourth lighthouse built in the United States and the first publically funded lighthouse that was built by the government.

The Cape Henry Lighthouse is located near the spot where English settlers first landed and made their way to settle in Jamestown. 

The second lighthouse at Cape Henry was built for $75,000 in 1881 and made of cast-iron plates bolted together making it the tallest cast-iron fully enclosed lighthouse in the United States.

Lighthouse Lore - How it All Began... Lighthouses - Sentinels of the Sea

The duties of a sentinel are serious business....and we are not talking about the Sentinels of X-Men fame from Marvel Comics! Historically, sentinels were guards, a lookout, or a person keeping watch to protect, most often, this person was a soldier. In ancient times, sentinels were critical in battle because they provided advance notice of threats that could destroy an army...and they are still relevant.  With a nod to history, the soldiers who stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetary, are called Sentinels. This is a cherished and honored duty and these Tomb Guards are chosen only after rigorous training and a demanding series of exams.

A Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

It is believed that the origin of the word sentinel dates to 1570s Italy and that the word stems from "sentina" meaning vigilance and, to hear and perceive.  So, it should be no surprise that lighthouses are often called the "sentinels of the sea" because they watch over the water in treacherous areas and are instrumental in guiding ships and their crews to safety. To those ancient seafaring men, long before GPS was invented, lighthouses were much more than just a lonely light shining from a tower; they were the difference between a successful voyage and one that ended in disaster. 

Enoshima Lighthouse referred to as Japan's Sea Candle is one of the most modern lighthouses in the world. It uses a high-powered LED projector and lights up in different colors.

Today's modern lighthouses are amazing wonders that combine so many skills from mathematics, optics, and architecture, to the latest technology. Most of the automated lighthouses have replaced rotating lenses with high-intensity lights that emit brief omnidirectional flashes much like those used to warn aircraft of tall structures. Lighthouses have come a long way! As a matter of fact, all the working lighthouses in the United States except the Boston Light which dates back to 1783, are automated. 

Ptolemy I 

The maritime heritage of lighthouses, of which Sheffield Island Lighthouse is a part goes back to the ancient world. The first known lighthouse was the Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt, considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was commissioned by one of Cleopatra's ancestors, Pharoah, Ptolemy I around 300 B.C. and completed by his son, Ptolemy II in 282 B.C. It was built on the island of Pharos, just outside the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt which was the most important Mediterranean trading city of the Roman Empire.

According to some ancient sources, the construction of the lighthouse was the work of Sostratus, a Greek architect and military engineer from Cnidus, a town in modern-day Turkey, that at the time, was under Ptolemaic control. On the other hand,  the Greek geographer, Strabo believed that Sostratus was the financial backer and that Ptolemy II allowed him to take credit for building it. Unfortunately, this debate has been lost to the mists of time, and we will never know who the architect actually was.

The Alexandria Lighthouse rose 330 feet on the very tip of the island of Pharos and was considered an astounding engineering wonder.  It was constructed so that it would face the two natural harbors of Alexandria, one called the Great Harbor, and the other with the ironic name, the Harbor of Fortunate Return. Linked to the mainland by a quarter-of-a-mile causeway called the Heptastadion, goods flowed easily and quickly into and out of the city.

A classic rendering of the Lighthouse of Alexandria 

The Alexandria Lighthouse has roughly a 1600-year history. That said, ancient writers didn't leave an exact description of the design of the lighthouse. Most sources agree that there was one tall white tower that could be seen for miles and that the lighthouse had three floors. It is believed that the first floor was rectangular, the middle was octagonal, the third floor was round, and that the top of the tower was crowned with a statue of Zeus Soter. Because wood is scarce in Egypt,  oil and not wood was most likely burned in the tower to light the way. According to ancient sources, there was a mirror made of polished bronze to reflect the flame far out to sea as an aid to safely guide vessels into the harbor.

The lighthouse disappears from historical records sometime during the 14th century, presumably destroyed by an earthquake. In its place, the Citadel of Qaitbay was built on the ruins of the lighthouse in the 15th century. Modern archeologists have found many stone fragments and ruins in the vicinity of the Citadel including a monumental figure of Ptolemy I and his queen, Berenice.

The Citadel of Quaitbay was built in the 15th century  (creative commons لا روسا)

Although the Alexandria Lighthouse at Pharos may not be the first lighthouse ever constructed, it is the first monumental one in recorded history. Lighthouses have been built over the centuries as navigational aids -- to show where there were hazardous shallows or submerged rocks, something that is as important today as it was in the ancient world.  Sheffield Island Lighthouse is proud to be part of this long maritime history that goes back to the ancient. world. 

Did You Know...

Perhaps the Lighthouse of Alexandria may not have been one of the most successful lighthouses when it came to guiding ships and their crews to safety. Marine archeologists have found more than 40 ancient wrecks in the area where the ancient harbor was located. 

It took more than twenty years to complete building the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Part of the lighthouse was discovered by a French archeologist. 

The city of Alexandria uses the symbol of the lighthouse on its national flag.

October Clean-up on Sheffield Island & the Mystique of Goldenrod!

The work of maintaining Sheffield Island Lighthouse is a year-round project. Thankfully, the Seaport Association has many loyal volunteers who help maintain the island. New volunteers are always welcome, just email us @ info@lighthouse.org or call us at 203-838-9444 - there is always plenty to do!

 October on Sheffield Island is the time of year when Seaport volunteers are busy getting the Lighthouse ready for the winter months that are just around the corner. The first order of winterizing Sheffield Island Lighthouse is to make sure all the windows are closed and locked, including the windows in the Lighthouse tower. Next on the agenda, our volunteers clean and dust and, finally, they cover up all the furniture for added protection. Outside, the windows of the Lighthouse and the Lightkeepers cottage are boarded up to keep them safe and sound from the harsh winter sea winds that batter the island.

Outside, the dock is taken out of the water and stored, the ceiling fans are removed from the pavilion, and all big equipment is put away. Finally, the telescope that so many summer visitors enjoy using and, all the colorful signage around the island and on the nature trails are taken down and stored. A final walk about the Island is done to make sure nothing has been overlooked.

A walk around Sheffield Island in October is lovely with the colors of fall foliage interspersed with the dark green of the island's pine trees. Here and there, you will see several autumn flowers, including Goldenrod, a fall perennial that usually gets a bad rap! Goldenrod isn't an allergen, that's ragweed! Goldenrod's pollen is heavy and sticky and can't fly through the air, like ragweed's can! Goldenrod has been used medicinally for centuries and is a favorite of many pollinators, making it good for the environment.

Goldenrod is a plant in the Aster or Sunflower family that is native to North America. It attracts many pollinators and even Monarch Butterflies in the summer. It flowers beginning in late August, so if you take a cruise to the Island with us in late -summer or early fall, you may see this lovely yellow flower peeking through the foliage on the Nature Trail. 

Its scientific name, "Solidago" means to make whole or to heal. Historically, there were many medicinal uses for Goldenrod. Native Americans made a compound of the flowers and applied this mixture to burns and other skin problems. They also chewed on the leaves to relieve sore throats and toothaches. In folk medicine, tea was made and taken to soothe a sore throat and to aid digestion. After the Boston Tea Party, Goldenrod mixed with Chamomile became known as "liberty tea" and was enjoyed as a substitute for tea imported from Great Britain! Today, it has been found that Goldenrod contains saponins that have antifungal properties and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties.

This October, even though you may not be visiting Sheffield Island with us, you will certainly see goldenrod, which proliferates this time of year!  Just keep in mind, that it is the wind-pollinated plants like Ragweed that happen to look similar to Goldenrod and share the same blooming period that is the culprit for hayfever this time of year!

Did You Know...

The young leaves of Goldenrod are said to taste like French tarragon

Certain species of goldenrod leaves contain rubber. 

Model T Ford, 1908

Thomas Edison made tires for his Model T Ford that was given to him by his friend, Henry Ford using rubber extracted from Goldenrod. Unfortunately, the quality of the rubber wasn't good enough to be commercially extracted.

Goldenrod is the state flower of Kentucky and Nebraska.

The Amistad Comes to the Norwalk Oyster Festival

In addition to three family fun-filled days of entertainment at the Norwalk Oyster Festival like the WOW Water Circus and Canines in the Clouds, food, arts and crafts, and riveting performances by Gary LeVox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts, Mullett the nation's best 80s band, and John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, the historic Amistad will be docked in Norwalk Harbor adjacent to Veterans Park where the festival is taking place. All ticketed festgoers are invited to tour this amazing vessel for free at this year's Oyster Festival. The enslaved African captives aboard the Amistad initiated the most famous slave ship rebellion in American history.

Illegally Sold into Slavery

The story of the Amistad and Connecticut are historically entwined in an extraordinary way. It all began in February 1839, when Portuguese slave hunters abducted hundreds of Africans from Mendeland, in present-day Sierra Leone, and transported them to Cuba, then a Spanish colony. At that time, the importation of enslaved people and the transatlantic slave trade were illegal in the United States and in Great Britain. Unfortunately, Havana, Cuba remained an important trading hub supplying plantations in the Caribbean with enslaved people.

When the slave ship, the Tecora reached Cuba, two plantation owners, Pedro Montes and Jose Ruiz purchased 53 of the transported Africans as enslaved workers. Soon after their purchase, they set sail on the Amistad, for their plantation in Puerto Rico. Ironically, the name of the vessel, Amistad means "Friendship." 

Color Engraving and Frontispiece from John Warner Barber (1840). A History of the Amistad Captives. New Haven, Connecticut: E.L. and J.W. Barber, Hitchcock & Stafford, Printers.

Uprising at Sea

A few days into the journey Joseph Cinque, one of the enslaved Africans managed to get out of the shackles and helped other captives to get out of theirs. Armed with knives, they seized control of the Amistad, killing the captain and the cook.

After seizing control, they ordered Montes and Ruiz to turn the ship back to Africa. Secretly, at night, Montes and Ruiz changed the course of the vessel, in hopes of being rescued, and sailed it through the Caribbean and up the eastern coast of the United States.

The Amistad docked in Long Island to get provisions and was spotted by the U.S. brig Washington on August 26, 1839. The Amistad was seized by the Naval Officers on the Washington and the enslaved were put back in chains and brought to Connecticut, which was still a slave state at that time. The naval officers claimed salvage rights to the ship and its enslaved cargo.

 Contemporary painting of the sailing vessel La Amistad off Culloden Point, Long Island, New York, on 26 August 1839; on the left is the USS Washington of the US Navy 

Battle in Court

Cinque and other Africans who helped him with the revolt on the Amistad were imprisoned in New Haven and charged with murder and piracy. With the help of influential abolitionists, the charges were dropped.  However, a legal battle ensued regarding the legal status of the enslaved captives and property claims between the naval officers of the boat, the Washington, the Spanish government, and Montes and Ruiz.

The President of the United States at the time, Martin Van Buren wanted to extradite the Africans to Cuba to pacify Spain. The defense team for the Africans enlisted a professor who studied languages from Yale University to determine what language the Africans spoke so that they could tell their story. On the waterfront of New York, they found a man who spoke their language and brought him to court to interpret their story for the first time.

In January 1840, a judge in Hartford, Connecticut, in defiance of President Van Buren, who thought the court would rule in his favor, ruled that the Africans were not Spanish enslaved peoples, but rather, that they were illegally captured and should be returned to Africa, not to Cuba. This decision was appealed and eventually was heard in the Supreme Court. The defense team enlisted the help of former President, John Quincy Adams who had successfully argued cases before the Supreme Court and had a strong anti-slavery voice in Congress. Adams argued that these enslaved Africans had the right to fight for their freedom aboard the Amistad in accordance with the Declaration of Independence, and accused Van Buren of abusing his executive power.

Sketch of an Amistad prisoner, drawn as they awaited trial in New Haven.

The Outcome 

On March 9, 1841, the Supreme Court ruled 7 to 1 that the enslaved Africans did have the right to fight for their freedom aboard the Amistad, and that the court deemed them to be free. However, the U.S. government did not allocate funds to repatriate the Africans to their homeland and, awarded salvage rights to the naval officers on the Washington, not to the Spanish or the Africans.

Many abolitionists supported these freed Africans and raised sufficient funds to pay for their return trip to their homeland in Africa. Although some of the Africans died at sea and others died in prison awaiting trial, in November of 1841, 43 surviving Africans boarded the vessel named The Gentleman, along with five Christian missionaries, and headed for home. Upon reaching their homeland all but four children returned to their families and vanished from historical records. 

Festgoers tour the Amistad

For Oyster Festival tickets http://www.seaport.org

Come Join the Fun @ the 45th Norwalk Oyster Festival Fri., Sept. 08, Sat., Sept. 09, and Sun. Sept. 10 @ Veterans Park, Norwalk

The 45th Norwalk Oyster Festival presented by First County Bank on September 8-10 at Veteran’s Park in Norwalk is all about bringing together world-class entertainers, family fun, and moments that you just can’t miss. Two stages, one sponsored by Ford and another sponsored by Abbey Tents, local eats and drinks, shopping, arts and crafts, and an expanded children’s area that includes the chance to tour the historic Amistad with paid admission to the festival is what this three-day festival is all about.

“We like to think that the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the region’s “official end of summer,” celebration, and this year we are going all out. Festgoers will enjoy unparalleled live music by nationally known performers, like Gary LeVox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts, and John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band that have enthralled audiences nationwide. All shows and performances are free with the price of admission,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “To make it even more affordable for families, on Sunday, September 10, kids 12 and under get into the Festival free with a paid adult, plus there are discounted ride wristbands available on Saturday and Sunday. We appreciate the generosity of our sponsors and the thousands of volunteers who make this event possible. For 16 years First County Bank has supported us, helping to make the Norwalk Oyster Festival a longtime Fairfield County tradition that people from near and far look forward to year after year,” Reilly concluded.

For the Whole Family

There are so many free shows taking place throughout the day at various locations that are perfect for the entire family, and best of all, they are included with the price of the ticket. These shows take place throughout the day at various times so festgoers never miss a performance, or can see their favorite act as many times as they like!

New this year is the WOW Water Circus that will take festival guests on a fanciful and whimsical journey above and below the water as performers take a deep dive for adventure and fun under the high seas! See intrepid aerialists perform daring feats, cheer on castaway pirate clowns, and watch mermaids as they tumble with the surf exploring the vast beauty of the ocean. Among the many daring feats of this aquatic spectacular is the daring high-speed Jet Ski aerial act that is as unique as it is thrilling.

If you are an animal lover, you won’t want to miss the new show, Canines in the Clouds. Part of this show’s charm is the heartwarming story about the journey of these talented canines from shelter to stardom, and their new life of pampering and excitement. This diverse cast of canine athletes performs high-energy gravity-defying stunts that are unique to this show and sure to dazzle you.

Another new opportunity with paid admission to the Norwalk Oyster Festival is a free tour of the 129-foot Amistad Schooner that will be docked at Veterans Park. This fascinating tour highlights the story of the Amistad beginning in Africa, the rebellion on board, the impact of its legacy, and its relevance to Connecticut’s history.

If you are a fan of Renaissance Fairs don’t miss your chance to see a medieval fighting troupe that specializes in scripted and unscripted demonstrations. Step back in time and experience the magic as you watch knights in armor sparring, and, afterward, explore a mini Medieval Village. This experience is perfect for fair maidens on a quest and brave knights looking for action! Don’t miss the chance to learn about elves and fairies, kings and queens, and life in the 16^th century. And, don’t forget to explore our midway, there is always something around the next corner that amazes and delights.

Music on the Built Ford Proud Stage

This year, the “Built Ford Proud Main Stage” offers a diverse line-up of some of the biggest names around. These performances are always hotly anticipated and a highlight of the festival. So, get ready to party 1980s style on Friday, September 8, with Mullett on at 8:30 p.m. Mullett is known nationwide as one of the most authentic 80s tribute bands in the nation. Pimpinella, opens for Mullett and will get the party started at 7 p.m. with their special blend of timeless 70s classic rock hits, Funk, Disco, Soul, and R&B.

On Saturday, September 9, Gary LeVox, lead singer of the iconic country group, Rascal Flatts, takes the Build Ford Proud Stage at 8 p.m. Founded in 2000 Rascal Flatts scored 17 No. 1 hits, sold more than 23 million albums, and won 40+ award-show trophies, making them the most awarded country group of the last decade. LeVox is known for having one of country music’s most distinctive voices that is a pure joy to listen to. He will be performing the chart toppers and well-known hits of Rascal Flatts as well as some of his new music. Singer/songwriter, J.D. Leonard from Nashville is opening for LeVox on Saturday at 6 p.m. He’s written singles for the likes of Bonnie Tyler and placed a number of his songs in over a dozen films.

Sunday’s musical extravaganza begins @ 3 p.m. with BadBoy, which will get the crowd energized with their rock and country hits. The final concert of the 45^th annual Oyster Festival ends on a high note at 5 p.m. with the legendary East Coast Rock ‘n’ Roll group, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. The band is well known for their performance “On the Dark Side,” from the motion picture Eddie and the Cruisers, which is celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year. This band puts on a fantastic show that is sure to get people up and dancing, which is the perfect way to end the 45^th  annual Oyster Festival.

Music @ the Entertainment Tent

One of the highlights of the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the music performed on multiple stages throughout this three-day event. The Entertainment Tent sponsored by Abbey Tent has live non-stop music all weekend long performed by some of your favorite regional bands. This area is a musical celebration of rock, jazz, hip-hop, Latin, and countless other genres. Whether you’re looking to kick back and relax or surrender to the beats and riffs, the Entertainment Tent is not to be missed.

For the Foodies

If you come to the Norwalk Oyster Festival for the music, you will stay for the food! Foodies rejoice at the fest’s unique offerings from Mexico, Columbia, Greece, Jamaica, and Italy to good old New England lobsters, and oysters, of course! Whether you are craving a salty or savory meal, a sugary treat to satisfy your sweet tooth or an afternoon or evening snack, you’ll find it here. And, if you work up a thirst there are plenty of choices from soft and exotic fruit drinks, to our popular craft beer tent offering more than forty beers.

Arts and Crafts Galore

If you like to shop, head to the Arts and Crafts area where 80+ fine artists and crafters display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages. Jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, clothing, home décor, and wearable art are just some of the treasures to be found. At the Seaport Tent, learn about Norwalk’s oyster history, and Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and browse specialty items celebrating the island and lighthouse.

Where - The Norwalk Oyster Festival is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT.

 

Admission- Adults $15, Seniors (65+) - $10, Children 6 - 12 - $5 (Free on Sunday with paid adult), and Children under 5 are free. To avoid the wait, tickets can be purchased online at http://www.seaport.org.

Ride Wrist Bands- Discounted ride wristbands are available Saturday and Sunday for $30 for unlimited rides.

Hours- Friday, Sept. 8, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 9, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

 

Parking & Shuttles

Free parking and shuttle buses are available at these locations:

9/8 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach 5:30– 11:30 p.m.

9/9 - Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

9/10 - Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

 

Fee Parking

Webster and Haviland Street parking lot, and the Maritime and Iron Works Garages. All are within walking distance of the festival.

 

About First County Bank

First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT for over 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 14 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $2.0 billion, and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces 2020-2022 award. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

 

About the Norwalk Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage. The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival. In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse; its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit http://www.seaport.org or call (203) 838-9444.

 

 

Experience the Excitement @ the 45th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival - September 8-10

 

This year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival organizers have planned a number of new and exciting events that will provide an experience like no other on Friday, September 8, Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10 at the 35-acre Veterans Memorial Park in Norwalk. Tickets are on sale now online at seaport.org and will be available at the gate during the event. For tickets click here

Music and entertainment make people happy with the added benefit of making memories that last a lifetime. And, making folks happy is what this festival is all about. “The Norwalk Oyster Festival, now in its 45th year is the last big event that takes place before the end of the summer. It’s a great family-fun event that won’t break the bank because all the entertainment is included with the price of the ticket! To make it more affordable for families we offer discounted ride wristbands on Saturday and Sunday, and best of all, kids under 12 get in free on Sunday…it’s our way of giving back to all our supporters, said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “The Festival is very important to the Seaport Association because it is our major fundraiser for Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s Maritime Icon,” Reilly said. “We couldn’t put this festival together without the support of our many sponsors including our Presenting Sponsor, First County Bank and Ford, for our “Built Ford Proud Stage,” Reilly concluded. 

Entertainment Line-Up Built Ford Proud Stage 

Attending the Norwalk Oyster Festival is a lot more than music – it’s the atmosphere, the culture, and the people all experiencing something live that you can’t stream! It’s a way to spend time with friends and loved ones, enjoy delicious food, shop, and see world-class entertainment as well as both world-famous and emerging musicians. 

Get ready to party 1980s style on Friday, September 8, with Mullett on the Built Ford Proud Stage at 8:30 p.m. Mullett is known nationwide as one of the most authentic tribute bands around. This is going to be a fun show, and one not to be missed. For more than a decade, Mullett has been wowing audiences by delivering the best of the 1980s in Big Hair and amazing renditions of 80s favorites. This is the closest you get to classic Van Halen, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Journey, Poison, and countless others…proving that the 80s live on forever! Rocking out to Mullett is sure to bring you back in time! 

Pimpinella opens for Mullett and will get the party started at 7 p.m. with their special blend of timeless 70s classic rock hits, Funk, Disco, Soul, and R&B. 

On Saturday, September 9, Gary LeVox, lead singer of the iconic country group, Rascal Flatts, takes the Build Ford Proud Stage at 8 p.m. Founded in 2000 Rascal Flatts scored 17 No. 1 hits, sold more than 23 million albums, and won 40+ award-show trophies, making them the most awarded country group of the last decade. “We are so excited to bring Gary LeVox, a world-class entertainer to the Norwalk Oyster Festival to help us celebrate our 45th annual Festival,” says, Mike Reilly, Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and President of the Norwalk Seaport Association. “Mr. Levox’s award-winning songs and legendary voice promise guests a show with all the hits that people love from Rascal Flatts plus some new stuff that they haven’t heard yet, making this performance one they will remember for years,” Reilly continued. 

LeVox is known for having one of country music’s most distinctive voices that is pure joy to listen to. LeVox will be performing the chart toppers and well-known hits of Rascal Flatts as well as some of his new music. As the frontman in one of the most influential groups in country history, LeVox knows how to entertain. The Oyster Festival offers an intimate setting that makes interaction with the audience easy and fun and LeVox never disappoints with songs that everybody can relate to. LeVox is one of country music’s greatest vocalists, so Saturday night’s audience better get ready to saddle up for an unforgettable good time. 

Singer/songwriter, J.D. Leonard who hails from Nashville Tennessee is opening for Gary LeVox on Saturday at 6 p.m. He’s written singles for the likes of Bonnie Tyler and placed a number of songs in over a dozen films. This band has shared the stage with Tyler Farr, Michael McDonald, Blues Traveler, and Edgar Winter, to name a few. 

Sunday’s musical extravaganza begins @ 3 p.m. with BadBoy which will get the crowd up and dancing with their rock and country hits. 

The final concert of the 45th annual Oyster Festival ends on a high note with the legendary East Coast Rock ‘n’ Roll group, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. They will take the Built Ford Proud Stage at 5 p.m. The band is well known for their performance “On the Dark Side,” from the motion picture Eddie and the Cruisers, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. “On the Dark Side” landed in the Billboard Top 10, and was the No. 1 tune on the Album Rock Charts for five weeks. The album sold over three million copies and was certified Triple Platinum by the RIAA. “Tough All Over,” “Hearts on Fire,” from the Rocky IV movie, and C-I-T-Y are among the band’s mega hits. This band puts on a fantastic show that is sure to get people up and dancing. 

 Two New Entertainment Acts 

To add to the fun, the organizers of the Norwalk Oyster Festival have added two new shows that are sure to amaze. These shows are perfect for the entire family because they will entertain folks of all ages from the beginning to the end. 

The WOW Water Circus will take you on a fanciful and whimsical journey above and below the surface with their maritime merriment! Among the many daring feats of this aquatic spectacular is the daring high-speed Jet Ski aerial act that is as unique as it is thrilling. 

If you are an animal lover, you won’t want to miss Canines in the Clouds. This is a heartwarming story about a journey from a shelter to stardom! This diverse cast of canine athletes that perform high-energy, gravity-defying stunts that are unique to this show, will dazzle you. A special highlight is to meet and greet these magnificent dogs after the show. 

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival 

Now in its 45th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for its music, wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.