Westonite's Lighthouse on Display at Maritime Aquarium

A Weston woman’s whimsical lighthouse is helping to light the way for visitors in The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk as part of the Aquarium’s 10th annual “Festival of Lighthouses.”

“A Seuss-sea-n Lighthouse” by Marleine Hofmann is among 24 lighthouses in the holiday display, which is open daily and free with Aquarium admission Nov. 19 through Jan. 16, 2012. Aquarium visitors can follow these homemade beacons through the galleries and then cast a vote for their favorite. The lighthouse with the most votes wins $1,500.

“This is always a highlight of the holidays – for staff and for our visitors,” said Chris Loynd, the Aquarium’s marketing director. “We’re always awed at all the thought and effort that the builders put into their lighthouses. And it certainly adds a festive spirit to the galleries.”

Hofmann is new to the contest. Her lighthouse imagines a red-and-white hat like that of Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat.” Out of the top reaches a Cat-ish black arm with a white glove, holding a lantern.

Other local entries include:

• “Mermaid Hollow” by Ivy Keating of Wilton.
• “Beads of Light” by the Sean and Kathleen Rooney family of Wilton.
• “Bottoms Up” by Courtenay Austin of Norwalk.
• “Maritime Carousel 2011” by Paul Coughlan of Norwalk and Nicol Rupolo of Stamford.
• “If Edison Had Made a Lighthouse” by Shar Landers of Norwalk.
• “Good Spirits” by Dana Murray of Norwalk.

Rules for the contest are kept to a minimum to allow for maximum creativity. Lighthouses must be 3 to 6 feet tall and have a working light, and may not include animal remains (including shells). Beyond that, it’s up to the creators’ imaginations.

The “2011 Festival of Lighthouses” is free with Maritime Aquarium general admission, which is $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors (65+) and $9.95 for children 2-12.

For more details about Maritime Aquarium exhibits, IMAX movies and programs, call (203) 852-0700 or go online to www.maritimeaquarium.org.