Cape May Lighthouse Celebrates National Lighthouse Day

Issue #766

August 03, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather 

 💡Cape May Lighthouse Celebrates National Lighthouse Day

🌊Historic Cape May Seawall Set for Upgrades Following County Approval

⚓Wildwood Crest Invites Families to Explore Marine Life Through Free Summer Program

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Survivors of Cancer

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 August 3

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Cape May Lighthouse Celebrates National Lighthouse Day

The Cape May Lighthouse will welcome visitors for a day of family-friendly activities, local crafts, and panoramic views as part of the annual National Lighthouse Day celebration on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.

The National Lighthouse Day Crafts & Collectibles Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cape May Lighthouse, located at 215 Lighthouse Ave. Admission to the lighthouse grounds is free, while tickets to climb the landmark's 199 steps will be available for purchase on-site.

Recognized as one of the nation's oldest continually operating lighthouses, the Cape May Lighthouse has served as a navigational aid since 1859 and remains one of the region's most recognizable landmarks.

Throughout the day, visitors will have an opportunity to browse handmade crafts, collectibles, nautical-themed merchandise, and artwork offered by regional vendors gathered at the base of the lighthouse.

Families can also take part in children's activities, games, and special programs. The Cape May County Bookmobile is scheduled to make an appearance, adding another attraction for younger visitors. Organizers have also announced that children will be admitted free to the lighthouse tower when accompanied by a paying adult.

Those who make the climb to the top of the structure will be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding coastline, Delaware Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.

National Lighthouse Day recognizes the important role lighthouses have played in protecting mariners and guiding ships safely along America's shores. In Cape May, the celebration provides residents and visitors alike with an opportunity to experience one of the community's most treasured historic sites.

 

Historic Cape May Seawall Set for Upgrades Following County Approval

Cape May County officials have approved $4.3 million in funding to help advance a major project designed to strengthen and expand Cape May's historic seawall, an important barrier protecting the city's shoreline from storms, flooding, and erosion.

County leaders say the investment will complement approximately $24.3 million in federal funding previously authorized through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Mitigation Assistance program. The total cost of the project is estimated at roughly $35 million, with Cape May City responsible for covering the remaining balance.

Plans call for elevating and extending the existing seawall and the Promenade along Beach Avenue, a county roadway, from just east of Madison Avenue to Wilmington Avenue. The project will also include repairs and improvements to ocean outfall pipes located within the construction area.

County officials emphasized the importance of the project in protecting homes, businesses, infrastructure, and beaches that play a vital role in the region's economy.

The original seawall was built after the devastating Ash Wednesday storm of 1962 and has served as a primary line of defense against coastal flooding for decades. However, the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 highlighted the need for additional protection against increasingly severe weather events and rising coastal threats.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, pending final permitting approvals and completion of the bidding process.

Local officials view the seawall improvements as an important step in preserving Cape May's historic waterfront while protecting residents, businesses, and public infrastructure for years to come.

Wildwood Crest Invites Families to Explore Marine Life Through Free Summer Program

Residents and visitors looking to learn more about the Jersey Shore's coastal environment have an opportunity to dive into marine science this summer through the Crest Coastal Comb program at the Wildwood Crest Arts Pavilion.

Held every Monday at 7 p.m. from June 29 through Aug. 17, the free educational program welcomes participants of all ages and offers an interactive look at the diverse marine ecosystem found along the beaches of Wildwood Crest.

Hosted by Miss Ocean, the program combines hands-on learning experiences with presentations focused on marine life, coastal habitats and the creatures that inhabit the region's shoreline waters. Guests will have the opportunity to examine shells, identify local species and gain a better understanding of the delicate balance that supports the area's coastal environment.

Organizers say the program is designed to inspire curiosity while encouraging residents and visitors alike to appreciate and protect the natural resources that make the Wildwoods unique.

No advance registration is required, and attendance is free.

The Wildwood Crest Arts Pavilion is located in the heart of the borough and serves as a gathering place for a variety of educational and cultural events throughout the summer season.

 

Which historic hotel in Cape May claims to be the oldest continuously operating hotel in the United States?

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 Answer to the August 2nd Trivia Question

What natural phenomenon makes Cape May a prime location for monarch butterfly watchers each fall?
A) The town’s unique elevation and cooler climate
B) A concentration of milkweed farms in the area
C) Its position as a geographic funnel along the monarch migration route
D) Artificial lighting that attracts butterflies at night

Correct answer: C) Its position as a geographic funnel along the monarch migration route.
Cape May’s location at the southern tip of New Jersey causes migrating monarch butterflies to concentrate there in the fall before crossing the Delaware Bay, making it a renowned spot for monarch sightings.

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