Lamp Lighting Ceremony

A long, long time ago in a place not so far away there existed a group of hard working individuals. These individuals worked the land and sea by day and by night, plowing the earth and fishing the deep, dark oceans. Always in search of the next big catch or the next plot of fertile land, their labors were strenuous, tiring, and not really that fun. Unfortunately, after a hard day’s work there was little to do. Remember, this was a long, long time ago so there wasn’t any Internet, Facebook, Twitter, cell phones, or TVs! Many great traditions are born out of boredom.

And so it goes……… These hard working individuals had to do something, so a few of them started gathering at twilight to celebrate the day’s hard work. Of course no celebration occurs without some grog. As tradition has it, this early group would meet in the local pub, whose lighting was provided mainly by moonlight. Of course when there’s a new moon there’s no light and these ingenious pub-goers decided to bring along a candle with them. Every day they would meet at the pub just after sunset and light this candle prior to having their first sip. This became known as “Lighting the Beer Lamp.” As time passed word spread throughout all the land, and at sunset all the pubs in all the lands would light a candle signaling that the beer lamp was lit and the day’s hard work was over.

So it is in this tradition that we hold our “Lamp Lighting Ceremony.” This ceremony is held after the race is complete to celebrate the successes of all the competitors from all the lands. So if you have registered for a race get ready for a day of fun filled adventure and look forward to kicking back, celebrating, and enjoying the company of other like-minded individuals at our Lamp Lighting Ceremony. Oh, and you never know what’s in store on your race day.