by Julie Corey

Journal contributor

This time of year fills our hearts and minds with cheer. Lime Kiln Point State Park held its Holiday Open House on Sunday, Dec. 15. The park’s annual holiday event has always been an indoor and outdoor adventure you never want to miss.

The island’s history of this event was a mystery to many. The research focused on several women who met in 2004 when they both moved here. These strangers met sitting on the rocks at the park, whale waiting or watching, and they talked about how much they loved this park and how sad it was that more locals did not visit the park. The fall and winter seasons are incredible. They felt a visit to the park was full of adventure, wonder and breathtaking moments.

They decided to have an Open House at the Lighthouse. They made fliers and hung them all around town, which said, “Open House at Lime Kiln State Park, come enjoy a Tour to The Top!” They baked goodies to share and offered a cup of hot apple cider in the lighthouse. It was very small crowds for three years, and the friends were ready to give it up. Then, a wonderful thing happened in 2007: several new park interpretive specialists offered to help. This very small event was evolving with lots of new volunteers and new energy, and for 24 years, it kept getting better. This year was one of the best!

The weather was sunny and brisk, and the park was ready for this year’s Open House Jingle and Mingle Event! The Interpretive Center/gift shop was open for holiday shopping.

A friendly park ranger had a lot of information to share about the park and had treats for the four-legged visitors who stopped by. Erin Cora, founder/executive director of Friends of Lime Kiln Society, reported: “Over 200 people attended the event on Sunday.” Santa’s helpers were there to greet kids, new and old. Many visitors enjoyed “The Tours to the Top” of the lighthouse and goodies. The outdoor S’mores Station had a contained fire pit to roast marshmallows and add graham crackers with all the toppings. Lots of cheer and holiday fun. It was a great day to hike on one of the many trails or sit on a rock and watch the water. Then you might hear someone shout “Whale!” the crowd cheers as a Humpback Whale swims by.

Once again, it is a fantastic holiday event you never want to miss. Happy Holidays.