Cedar Keys’ Holiday Light(house)

With winter on the way, staff of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge want to make your holidays a little brighter by hosting the Holiday Light(house) on December 22nd 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, and on Dec 29th from NOON until 4:00 PM. Picturesque photo opportunities will be boundless.

Old-fashioned Christmas holiday decorations will afford exceptional photos of the historic light station. If you`ve not sent out your holiday cards by then, you`ll have a perfect backdrop at the lighthouse, so don`t forget your camera - or your coat.

Dressed in the clothing of the period, volunteers will interpret the history of the lighthouse and the rugged lifestyle of the lightkeepers. Toni Collins, author of the Cedar Key Light Station will dress the part of Catherine Hobday, mother of light keeper Andrew Hobday. From the Cedar Key Historical Society, Ken Young and George Sresovich will be Assistant Lightkeepers. Beloved local historian, Lindon Lindsey will also be in attendance.

The Refuge Ranger will provide spotting scopes to sharpen your view of white pelicans, great blue herons, osprey, eagles, and other birds on your life list. On the 29th University of Florida Marine Research Lab will fill touch tanks with curious looking sea creatures for all to see. Dr. Jennifer Seavey will give tours of the research area hourly.

Transportation to the Gulf island is not provided, but tour boat shuttles will be leaving Cedar Key docks repeatedly throughout the day. If it is raining or a storm is predicted, the event will be cancelled with no rain date. For more information, call the Refuge Ranger at 352/493-0238.