Topsail Area Chamber and Historical Society team up to Light Up Topsail Beach
Topsail Area Chamber and Historical Society team up to Light Up Topsail Beach
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's ride
TOPSAIL BEACH – The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and the Historical Society of Topsail Island are teaming up to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride on April 18, beginning at 7 p.m. at The Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd.
“Nationwide state capitals and town halls will shine lights in commemoration of Paul Revere’s ride in a campaign called Two Lanterns,” said Tammy Proctor, director of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
The famous poem declares “one if by land and two if by sea” warning the British were coming.
“We’re Topsail,” said Proctor. “We have land and sea, so we are lighting up Topsail Beach, the home of the Topsail Island Historical Society.”
“Paul Revere will read the famous poem, Paul Revere's Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,” said Ann Tumblin, the historical society board member overseeing events for America’s 250th Anniversary which kicks off Feb. 21, 2026.
“Lighting up Topsail Beach is a fun hour to remind us that America’s 250th is approaching,” said Proctor.
There is no charge. Anyone wishing to participate will gather at The Assembly Building at 7 p.m. A Paul Revere reenactor will read the poem. Attendees will disperse to the beach, decks, and beach accesses. The Topsail Beach Fire Department will shine two bright lights on the Topsail Beach water tower as the signal to Light up Topsail Beach.
“Attendees can use flashlights, cell phones, or battery-operated lanterns to light up Topsail Beach,” said Proctor. “For the safety of all, no flames or sparklers will be permitted.”
A drone by Jeff Wenzel of Above Topsail will record the lighting up along the beach.
“Volunteers from the sea turtle hospital will outline the shape of a turtle,” said Proctor. “The Reel Housewives of Topsail Island will form a ribbon, and the historical society will form 1775 on the beach.”
Families, churches, and civic organizations are encouraged to participate.
For more information about the Light Up Topsail Beach event, please contact the Chamber at 910-329-4446.
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