The new manager of one of Whidbey Island’s iconic landmarks is looking for people who love lighthouses.
Sharon Sharpe, hired in March by Washington State Parks as the program specialist at Admiralty Head Lighthouse in Coupeville, wants to dramatically increase the number of volunteer docents at the scenic lighthouse.
Working with a base of about 20 regular volunteers, Sharpe’s hope is to double the number of docents who work in the lighthouse’s museum and interpretive center.
She also is looking for those interested in helping preserve the historic building.
Part of Sharpe’s job is manage the lighthouse’s interpretive staff, along with coordinating tours and events within the park and at the lighthouse, including weddings.
One ambitious fundraising event she has planned for 2015 will take place in October when Fort Casey will play the starring role in a haunted house for two weekends.
Plans for the “Haunted Fort” include an evening hayride from the lighthouse to the old Switchboard chamber, where guests will be allowed to enter.
“It’s not going to take much to make it a haunted space,” said Sharpe, who attended sixth grade camp at nearby Camp Casey and remembers some eerie moments at the fort as a child, then later returned as a camp counselor. “It’s scary enough for kids in the dark.”
Although a committee continues to work out details, current plans are to run the event Oct. 16-17 and Oct. 23-24.
“I’m afraid it’s going to be too big,” Sharpe said with a smile.
Sharpe also is making plans for National Lighthouse Day in August. Fort Casey will celebrate that event on Saturday, Aug. 8. Live music will be provided.
Sharpe commutes from LaConner for her job but has no complaints.
She worked in as an office assistant at a state parks regional office in Burlington prior to coming to Coupeville and has worked in office settings at the Port of Edmonds, the LaConner Marina and Sedro-Woolley School District in the past.
The lighthouse job gives her the flexibility to be where she loves to be most often — outdoors.
“This fits me very well,” Sharpe said. “This is where I want to be.”
“I was trying to work my self into the outdoors world. This is a dream job for me.”
“Promoting the park and what we have to offer is what I’m all about.”
Sharpe may be reached at 360-678-1186 or at sharon.sharpe@parks.wa.gov
