Harbor Illumination Returns with New Events and Traditional Favorites

Some three miles of Hull’s shoreline will light up at sunset Saturday, July 25, as a thousand individual flares that surround Hull Bay are lit for the annual Harbor Illumination, a spectacular tradition.

Although this year’s event, hosted by the Hull Lifesaving Museum (HLM), will keep to tradition as flares are lit around the crescent of Hull Bay in remembrance of a person or event, a variety of free activities for visitors of all ages have been added to celebrate the area’s long maritime heritage, history and spirit.

“While the Illumination creates an awe-inspiring moment of beauty and magic, many people travel to the event from other towns,” said Peter Wild, HLM’s Executive Director. “As a result, we wanted to offer the public more. This year, visitors will be able to enjoy live entertainment, activities for children (including sack races and face painting) and be able to purchase food and souvenirs as a prelude to the lighting ceremony.”

Here’s a sampling of the day’s Harbor Illumination Festival events to be held at the L Street Ball Field in Hull:

The first-ever Illumination Music Festival presented by Mustard Seed Music and Sports Promotion in association with HLM will showcase music from Fred Meltzer (R&B), “Ramshackle” (acoustic country) and “Back in Session” (pop-disco). “We want to bring music and life to the area,” said Mustard Seed’s CEO James Quinlivan.

First Annual Illumination Songwriting Contest open to aspiring and professional songwriters who are interested in writing a song dedicated to the “Illumination” and the Hull Lifesaving Museum. The winner will perform their song live at the Festival. The song (original music and lyrics) must include the word “Illumination” and also make mention of “Joshua James,” the legendary life-saver. There is no entry fee. Song entries (via CD, MP3, etc.) must be received by the Museum no later than July 15, 2015.

Boat Parade of Lights on historic Hull Bay, will feature Boston’s Fire Boat and Harbor Pilot Boat. Boat owners are encouraged to decorate and illuminate their power or sail vessels (boats must be a minimum or 24 feet or a maximum of 60 feet) for a chance to win the title of “Best Illuminated Vessel.” The entry fee of $75 will be used for general support of HLM.

The Illumination of the Harbor. At sunset, flares are lit along the lovely crescent of Hull Bay, from A Street Pier to Spinnaker Island, as a bagpiper plays from a boat rowed along the shore. The flares are lit in remembrance, celebration or honor. Some flares honor a beloved parent, others a place of great meaning, and some just to say thanks for life itself. Flares are $10 each and can be sponsored at the Museum, online at www.HullLifeSavingMuseum.org, or by phone.

Schedule of Events:
5-6 p.m. — Fun for kids: A variety of activities including face painting and sack races
6-6:25 p.m.—High-energy Rhythm and Blues from Fred Meltzer, local singer/songwriter/musician
6:30-6:55 p.m.—Acoustic country rock with “Ramshackle,” a trio that performs in the South shore
7-7:10 p.m.—Performance by Illumination Songwriter’s Contest Winner
7:15-8 p.m.—Pop/rock/disco/funk with the “Back in Session” band
8-8:30—Parade of boats in Hull Bay
8:30 p.m.—Bagpiper plays from a boat rowed along the shore as flares are lit
8:30-8:45 p.m.—The Illumination
8 p.m.-Midnight—After-party at the Sea Dog Restaurant
9:30 p.m. Prize giving ceremony for “Best Illuminated” vessel at the Sea Dog.

Funding for this year’s expanded program was provided by a grant from Save the Harbor Save the Bay. Sponsors for the Illumination include Presenting Sponsor Pyne Keohane, WBZ News Radio, Boston Harbor Cruises and Aquarion Water Company.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available to support this community event or to sponsor a flare. For information, contact info@HullLifesavingMuseum.org or call 781-925-5433.