Artists Invited To Enter

Fifth Annual ‘Festival Of Lighthouses’

NORWALK — The Maritime Aquarium, a year-round beacon to fun-seeking families, will continue what has become a favorite holiday tradition – its annual Festival of Lighthouses. But first the Aquarium needs artists (ages 14 and up) to enter the contest, which guarantees a Family Membership to the Aquarium for each accepted entry and features a top prize of $1,000.

Entries for the fifth annual Festival of Lighthouses must be three-dimensional works of art between three and six feet tall with working lights. All accepted entries will be on display at the Aquarium during the holiday season and beyond (November 18 through January 16), during which time aquarium ticket holders will cast their votes to determine the winners of this people’s choice-style contest.

The winners will be announced at a private evening reception for the artists and their families at the aquarium on January 18, 2007.

Entry forms must be received at The Maritime Aquarium by November 1, 2006. The number of entries is limited, so it is important to submit early.

Last year’s Festival of Lighthouses at The Maritime Aquarium drew entries using a wide variety of materials from stone, gingerbread, candy, foam, stained glass, wood, recycled materials and more. Past contestants have included students, tradesmen, a stay-at-home dad, a retired metal worker, and other creative adults.

“The staff looks forward to this competition each year,” said Tim Gagne, the publicity director for Maritime Aquarium. “We get excited when the lighthouses start coming in. People are so creative, it’s fun to see what the entries are each year.

“The visitors also have a lot of fun once the lighthouses are here,” Mr Gagne added. “They walk through the building and find a few lighthouses around every corner.”

For a Festival of Lighthouses entry form and a copy of the Official Rules, call The Maritime Aquarium at 203-852-0700, extension 2248.