AUGUSTA — The third annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day will take place rain or shine Saturday, Sept. 17, with many of the state’s coastal, island and river lighthouses planning to welcome the public.

Eighteen thousand people visited 25 open light stations during last year’s event, and 5,000 people climbed up light towers for the lantern room view. The event is coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard, in partnership with the Maine Office of Tourism and the American Lighthouse Foundation. It is the largest event of its kind in the country.