SGLA officers Terry Kemp, Dennis Barnell, and Jim Kemp greeted Megan Clementi, Miss Florida USA, and Cassi McFarland, Miss Emerald Coast Teen USA.

More than 400 lighthouse enthusiasts from all over the U.S. participated in the first Forgotten Coast Lighthouse Challenge on April 24 and 25.  The four lighthouses participating in the Challenge were Cape San Blas Lighthouse, Cape St. George Light, Crooked River Lighthouse, and St. Marks Lighthouse.

Climbers came from as far away as California and Washington to the northwest and Vermont and New York to the northeast, with Florida and other southeastern states well-represented in the crowd.

Climbers marvelled at the spectacular views from the tops of three of the lighthouses, and enjoyed the rare opportunity to climb part way up the St. Marks Lighthouse.  Challenge participants were rewarded with colorful Challenge tote bags at the start, and received a picture magnet at each lighthouse visited.  Those who visited all four lighthouses wore "I Survived the Forgotten Coast Challenge" buttons, and received Certificates of Completion from the Florida Lighthouse Association.

Miss Florida USA 2010, Megan Clementi of Orlando, and Miss Emerald Coast Teen USA, Cassi McFarland of Crawfordville, also climbed all four lighthouses in a "Climb for the Cure" to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 

Both Megan and Cassi were among the 160 supporters of the Cape St. George Light who joined us for the "After the Climb Bash" at Sometimes It's Hotter Seasoning Company Saturday evening.  The event brought in more than $1500 to be used toward the completion of the Keeper's House Museum next to the lighthouse.