On the final day of the Marine Heritage Festival weekend, Sunday July 24th, recognition was given to those who recently helped to restore the historic Saugeen River range light.
The range light, maintained by the Marine Heritage Society, had undergone severe weather destruction due to the recent high water level of Lake Huron combined with severe winter winds that caused extensive damage to the range light that guides boats into the Southampton Harbour.
The light that stands at the mouth of the River has recently undergone major restoration attempts thanks to fundraising efforts by the community under the leadership of the Marine Heritage Society (MHS) and the volunteers and companies who stepped up.
Seaman & Sons contracting of Southampton, under the leadership of Derek Seaman, carried out the extensive exterior work needed to preserve the structure, much of it done on a contribution basis.
Marine Heritage Society Chair, Eric Tolton, who introduced the Mayor as speaker, also thanked everyone for attending the Festival weekend.
“We want to thank everyone for coming out this weekend in support of the Marine Heritage Society.
We also have to thank our co-Chairs for organizing this year’s back-in person weekend festivities, Wayne (a.k.a. Capt. Sparrow) and Deb Kaufman.”
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau paid tribute to the volunteers of the Marine Heritage Society who maintain not only the Range Light but also the Chantry Island Lighthouse.
“The Town leases the lighthouse from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and, in turn, we sub-let it to the Marine Heritage Society who completely maintain it and run tours to Chantry Island.”
He also spoke on the importance of the history of the Range Light and those who have cared for it.
In addition to the tribute, long-time summer resident of Southampton, David Archibald, composed and performed a tribute song to the Range Light.
While it was also the last day of the Marine Heritage Festival, it was also the last opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of music provided by the local ‘Sapsuckers’ and beverages from Three Sheets brewery.
