CAPE MAY – Spend a summer evening relaxing with friends under the evening lights next to one of Cape May’s historic landmarks, the World War II Lookout Tower (Fire Control Tower No. 23), during a Pop Up Beer Garden featuring Cape May Brewing Company on Thursday, July 13, from 4 to 10 p.m. This is the first of two fundraising events presented by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) in partnership with Cape May Brewing Company (CMBC) this summer to support MAC’s historic preservation mission.
Stop by the Tower on Sunset Boulevard about three blocks from Sunset Beach and stay awhile. Enjoy CMBC beers on tap that include a MAC favorite: Tower 23 with Kiwi and Lime, named in honor of this venerable Tower. Raise a glass to historic preservation! Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Must be 21 years of age or older with valid ID to drink alcoholic beverages.
Purchase a snack or enjoy dinner al fresco with Eat Well and Hank Sauce on hand for snacking. Michael Flanigan of Cape May will be entertaining, playing acoustic guitar, and Hevee Levee will be performing their unique versions of a wide mix of covers and originals. Hevee Levee consists of Cape May favorites, Jon Thompson (vocals, guitars, sax), Gordon Vincent (vocals, guitars, harmonica) and Andy Reeves (vocals, drums, percussion).
Walking and biking are encouraged; parking is limited to street parking only. Bring a beach chair and relax in the evening breeze as the stars surround one of Cape May’s most interesting historic sites. Climb to the sixth floor watch gallery and discover the history of Fort Miles via interpretive displays. Fort Miles was the coastal defense system that extended from New Jersey to Delaware and included towers and armaments to protect the entrance to the Delaware Bay, Philadelphia and the coastline from attack during World War II. Learn how the World War II Lookout Tower was one of the 15 towers from Delaware to New Jersey that helped to aim the big guns.
The Tower will be open to visitors for extended hours July 13 from 10 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Enjoy discounted admission from 4 to 8:30 p.m. of $5 for adults and $3 for children (ages 3-12).
In March 2009, MAC successfully completed the restoration of the Tower and opened the wartime landmark to the public. Regular admission is $6 adults and $3 for children (ages 3-12). The first child is always admitted free with each paying adult. Family members can honor loved ones through memorial plaques mounted permanently at the site. An All Veterans Memorial was dedicated at the Tower on May 19, 2012 and is open throughout the year for quiet contemplation. Armed Services Day is celebrated annually at the Tower and it is open to the public from April through November.
Rain date is Friday, July 14, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Plan now for the second Pop Up Beer Garden featuring Cape May Brewing Company Thursday, Aug. 17 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May Point State Park.