Crooked River Lighthouse Celebrates the 4th Annual Crooked River Park Fest

The Crooked River Lighthouse will host its 4th Annual Crooked River Park Fest on Saturday, January 31, in Carrabelle, FL. From 10 am–4 pm ET, visitors can enjoy an expanded Country “Super” Market, a car show from 10 am–2 pm, and a fish and nature printing activity. The celebration continues from 5–8 pm with a Park Fest Twilight at the Tower, featuring live music by The Waterbirds, an outdoor movie, The Lighthouse Keepers (PG-13) and a glowing bonfire under the beauty of the Snow Moon. Tower climbs, the Keeper’s House Museum with the 1894 Fresnel Lens, the gift shop, and food and desserts will be available throughout the day and evening. Daytime admission is free; Twilight at the Tower admission is $5 for the general public, free for current members and free for kids 12 and under. Admission and climb tickets are available online at www.crookedriverlighthouse.com/full-moon-events or  in the gift shop.

The Country “Super” Market will feature regional arts and crafts, coastal décor, jewelry, bags, organic produce and eggs, grass-fed beef, locally roasted coffee, hot sauces, soaps, candles, balms, local books, tumblers, and baked treats such as artisan breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and candied nuts. From 10 am–2 pm, the car show will highlight classic, vintage, and custom vehicles with prizes and People’s Choice Awards, with participants from groups including the Forgotten Coast Cruisers and the Antique Automobile Club of America.

The Carrabelle Artist Association will offer a Fish and Nature Printing activity where participants can create nautical or nature-inspired artwork on rice paper, tea towels, or personal items. The cost is $20, including materials and instruction. Advance tickets are recommended and are available at the Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce, the lighthouse gift shop, or Ticketleap. For details or tickets, contact Marian Morris at 850‑294‑9664 or morrispottery@gmail.com through January 30.

For Park Fest, tower climbs – day and evening – will be a special $5 for ages 13 and up. Current members climb free and children 12 and under climb free with an adult. Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. Climbers enjoy panoramic views from the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast. Guests can also enjoy free entry to the Keeper’s House Museum to explore several exhibits and the original 4th Order Fresnel Lens. Nautical gifts and souvenirs are for sale in the gift shop. Delicious food and desserts will be available from  Mamaw’s Fresh Catch and the Beacon Bistro.

As darkness falls, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the sunset and the rising Snow Moon during Twilight at the Tower from 5 pm to 8 pm. Live music by The Waterbirds from 5-6:30 will bring a lively mix of reggae, folk, jazz, rock, blues, and original songs. Then from 6:30-8 pm visitors can enjoy an outdoor movie, The Lighthouse Keepers (PG13). Plus after-hours museum tours, a glowing bonfire, and gift shop browsing will round out this night of fantastic music and full moon magic.

This family-friendly festival celebrates the return of the lighthouse’s original Fresnel lens with proceeds benefitting the maintenance of Crooked River Lighthouse Park. The lighthouse is located at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle, FL. For details, visit www.crookedriverlighthouse.com or 850-697-2732. Funded in part by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.