'Just a good tradition': Lighthouse Beer & Wine festival raises money for good cause

  ood-tradition-lighthouse-beer-wine-festival-raises-money-for-good-cause.html
  Food and Wine on Sun, Oct 19th, 2025 by WECT

Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival: A Tradition of Celebration and Charity

The annual Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival, a hallmark of the local community’s social calendar, has once again proven that a joyous gathering can also serve a higher purpose. This year’s event, held at the historic Lighthouse Park, attracted thousands of visitors, a diverse lineup of breweries and wineries, and generous donations that will benefit the Lighthouse Foundation’s programs for children and families in need.

The festival’s core objective remains unchanged: to bring people together around good food, craft beverages, and a sense of camaraderie. However, organizers emphasized that the 2025 edition had an additional, heart‑warming mission—raising funds for the Lighthouse Foundation’s “Shining Bright” initiative, which provides scholarships, therapy services, and community outreach for children with developmental challenges.

Event Highlights

The festival kicked off on Saturday morning with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony led by the mayor and the Lighthouse Foundation’s executive director. The mayor praised the organizers for turning a beloved tradition into a force for good, while the foundation director highlighted the growing impact of the “Shining Bright” program, noting that the funds raised in previous festivals have already helped more than 300 children.

The day was packed with a wide array of activities. A tasting line-up of over 25 craft breweries and 12 local wineries offered a spectrum of flavors—from crisp, citrus‑laden pilsners to robust, oak‑aged reds. Visitors could sample each brew and wine, and many chose to pair their drinks with artisanal foods from local vendors. A dedicated “Kid’s Corner” featured a craft station, face‑painting, and an inflatable obstacle course, ensuring that families could enjoy the festival together.

In addition to beverage tastings, the festival hosted a series of live performances. Local bands, a jazz trio, and a folk singer entertained crowds throughout the day. The evening featured a fireworks display that illuminated the lighthouse’s iconic beam, a visual reminder of the community’s shared light.

Fundraising Efforts

Fundraising was woven into the fabric of the event from the moment guests entered the park. Each beverage purchased contributed a portion of its price to the Lighthouse Foundation. Additionally, a silent auction ran throughout the day, showcasing items ranging from signed concert posters to a weekend getaway at a nearby spa. A charity raffle, featuring a grand prize of a private vineyard tour, added excitement and extra funds for the cause.

The festival’s charity partners included the Lighthouse Foundation itself, local health clinics, and a regional food bank. These partners worked in tandem to maximize the impact of the donations, ensuring that the money raised would go directly to programs that support children and families.

Community and Participant Voices

Attendees shared glowing feedback about the festival’s atmosphere and the palpable sense of community. “It’s always a great day out,” said festival-goer Maria Lopez, a mother of two. “But this year, I felt proud knowing that every sip of beer or glass of wine was helping kids who need support.”

Local brewery owner, Tom Richardson, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with the foundation. “Our goal has always been to celebrate our craft and our community,” he said. “Partnering with Lighthouse Foundation allows us to give back in a meaningful way.”

Looking Forward

As the festival concluded, organizers announced plans to expand the event in the coming years. Future iterations may feature more interactive workshops, expanded beverage options, and a greater emphasis on sustainability. They also plan to host a “Founders’ Night” in October, featuring keynote speakers who will discuss the long-term vision for the Lighthouse Foundation’s initiatives.

The Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival has once again succeeded in merging a beloved local tradition with a heartfelt mission to support children in need. By combining festive enjoyment with purposeful giving, the event sets a compelling example of how community events can serve as powerful vehicles for social good.