You know it’s the holiday season on the Outer Cape when the David M. Gray Christmas Wreath adorns Nauset Light in North Eastham.
The annual hanging of the wreath occurs at the lighthouse this Saturday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m.
Gray was a longtime member of the Nauset Light Preservation Society’s board of directors and also served as its president before he retired from that position in 2013. Gray passed away on Sept. 6 at the age of 84.
According to NLPS, Gray “initiated a number of projects to maintain Nauset Light and keep it beautiful.” During his presidency, he “initiated the complete refurbishment of the light.” He was responsible for contacting Snyder's-Lance, the owner of Cape Cod Potato Chip Company, to assist NLPS in funding the cost of painting Nauset Light (the lighthouse is featured on the Cape Cod Potato Chip bag). Snyder's-Lance covered the entire cost of $42,000.
For his efforts, the NLPS board voted in December 2013 to name the wreath for Gray.
Windy/snowy/icy conditions will postpone Saturday’s event. “Intrepid volunteers will brave the treacherous gallery to hoist the wreath and fasten the lines,” according to NLPS. “All are welcome to stop by and coach from the sidelines.”