ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (March 11, 2008) – Everyone is invited to the 17th Annual St. Augustine Lighthouse festival set for Saturday, March 21! Admission is free to this popular event that not only features an opportunity to climb the historic tower and visit the impressive museum, but also offers food, fun and entertainment for the entire family.

The festival brings children’s games, pony rides, live entertainment, nature talks, crafts and refreshments to the historic grounds of the Victorian-era light station. Climbing to the top of the tower for an inspiring view of the Oldest City, the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches is one of the highlights for festival-goers. Please remember that for their safety, children need to be at least 44 inches tall to climb the tower and an adult must accompany children under 12. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This year’s festival will feature an opportunity for children to buy, build and sail their own model boat – and a lecture for adults will explain how famed pirate Captain Kidd was defeated in battle. Local entertainers will perform throughout the day while Josh n’ Lou will provide live music in the early afternoon. Radio Disney AM 600 will broadcast live from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. and the Disney Fun Squad Cast will provide lots of fun and excitement.

As is part of the annual tradition, the Michelob Ulta 5K Run/Walk and the Shepard & Shepard Fun Run will be held during the Festival courtesy of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine. The 5K Run begins at 4:30 p.m. and the Fun Run begins at 5 p.m.; both races will start and finish in front of the lawn of the keepers’ house. Registration may be completed in advance by going to the Junior Service League’s website www.jslofstaugustine.org or at the Lighthouse on the day of the race from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Free parking for the festival will be available at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Old Town Trolley will provide a complimentary shuttle service from the amphitheatre to the lighthouse. Paid event parking will also be available at the Lighthouse. For more information on the Lighthouse Festival, including an event schedule, go to www.staugustinelighthouse.com or call 904.829.0745.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse Festival is funded in part by a grant from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. For more information on events and special accommodation packages for St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website www.Getaway4Florida.com or call 1.800.653.2489.

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