"Festival of Lighthouses"

NORWALK, CT  –  A twin-light lighthouse made by a Darien man is helping to light the way for visitors in The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk as part of the Aquarium's ninth annual "Festival of Lighthouses."  

Ed Skerrett's creation, titled "Queens Point Twin Lights," features a pair of lighthouses on circular bases that narrow up to two old-fashioned-style streetlight lamps. Reminiscent of chess pieces, one lighthouse is black with a white accent; the other is white, with a black accent.

Skerrett, a lighthouse buff, is a regular competitor in the annual contest. His lighthouse this year is one of 23 creative entries in the holiday display, which is open daily and free with Aquarium admission through Jan. 17, 2011.

"We're always impressed with how much work and creativity is put into these lighthouses," said Chris Loynd, the Aquarium's marketing director. "Some folks go at it from the perspective of starting with a lighthouse and transforming it with a unique or unexpected design, while it seems that others create something wild and artistic and find a way to make it into a lighthouse."

Rules are kept to a minimum to spur creativity. Lighthouses must be 3 to 6 feet tall and have a working light – beyond that, it's up to the creators' imaginations. Other entries in the 2010 display include a fun Lego lighthouse, an aromatic lighthouse made out of gingerbread, a beautiful punched-tin lighthouse being attacked by an octopus, a lighthouse tree, and lighthouses made almost entirely from toothpicks and wine corks, respectively.

After enjoying the lighthouses, visitors may cast a vote for their favorite.  The first-prize winner, to be announced Jan. 20, receives $1,000.  Other prizes are: $500 for second place, $250 for third; $200 for fourth; $150 for fifth; and $100 for sixth.

The "Festival of Lighthouses" is free with Maritime Aquarium general admission, which is $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors (65+) and $9.95 for children (2-12).

For more information about Maritime Aquarium offerings this holiday season, call (203) 852-0700 or go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org.