Live music, food trucks, family activities and a beer garden will highlight a four-hour celebration honoring one of Brigantine's most recognizable landmarks.
BRIGANTINE, N.J. — Brigantine is preparing to celebrate a century of history Saturday, Oct. 10, as the community marks the 100th anniversary of its iconic lighthouse with an afternoon and evening of entertainment, food and family activities.
The Lighthouse Centennial Celebration will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday near the lighthouse on Brigantine Boulevard.
City Councilman Mike Riordan says residents and visitors can expect a memorable celebration.
"You only turn 100 once, so we're going to make this celebration a celebration to remember," Riordan said Thursday during an appearance on The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND.
"I don't think Brigantine has really ever seen anything quite like what we've got planned."
The festivities will feature live music, DJs, inflatable attractions for children, food trucks and activities for all ages.
Local businesses, including Brigantine Bistro, McHugh's Pizza, Esther's Italian Shop, Richmond's Ice Cream and Coastal Soul, are participating.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars will host a beer garden, while Weiser Insurance is sponsoring a children's inflatable attraction.
Brigantine Avenue will be closed near the lighthouse and extending toward McHugh's Pizza to accommodate the celebration.
A Century of Brigantine History
Built in 1926 by the Island Development Company, the Brigantine Lighthouse was originally intended to attract prospective residents and visitors to the growing resort community.
Unlike traditional lighthouses, it was never used as a navigational aid for ships.
Instead, the structure became a landmark and symbol of the island.
Over the decades, it has served several purposes, including a police station, museum and gift shop.
Today, the lighthouse remains one of the first recognizable landmarks greeting motorists entering Brigantine.
For Riordan, the anniversary is about more than celebrating an old building.
"Our Lighthouse has been a part of Brigantine's story for a century," he said.
"And, you know, for a lot of us, that Lighthouse means that, like, we're home when we get to Brigantine."
Riordan encouraged families to attend and celebrate the island's history together.
"Bring the children, bring the grandchildren, bring your friends, and come in ready to enjoy yourselves," he said.
"It's a festival chance to celebrate the history and community that makes Brigantine such a wonderful place."
The celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Brigantine Lighthouse on Brigantine Boulevard.
Councilman Mike Riordan appeared Thursday, Oct. 8, on The Don Williams Show, heard Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 a.m. on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND.
About the Author
Scott Stephens
Scott has been an on-air personality, producer and newscaster for 30+ years. He has been a mainstay in the South Jersey Community and on the air across many different area stations. Scott can currently be heard on Kool 98.3 and News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.
