Saturday, October 20, 2001 -- Fayetteville, WV
New River Gorge Bridge Day Festival (iPO Event Id#: 4652)

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Making the jump in 2000

BRIDGE DAY 2001 CANCELLED
Oct. 4, 2001

During an emergency meeting of the New River Gorge Bridge Day Commission, the decision was made to cancel Bridge Day 2001. The Bridge Day Commission had voted earlier last week to proceed with the planning for this year's Bridge Day event. Due to the increased security and safety concerns associated with this year's event, all operational planning was referred to the Commission's Safety and Emergency Planning Subcommittee.

During the past week, this subcommittee met twice in extended sessions for purposes of reviewing the increased security needs and costs associated with this event. As a result of this safety planning process, it became evident that these enhanced security needs and requirements would dictate certain changes in the atmosphere surrounding this event festival. The recognized purpose of the New River Gorge Bridge Day Festival has been the positive promotion of tourism in West Virginia.

All members of the Bridge Day Commission recognize and understand the importance of Bridge Day and the positive impact that it has on the economy of southern West Virginia. While the cancellation of this event was based on certain safety and security concerns, event organizer are committed to the continuation of Bridge Day as the state's largest one-day event festival.

In commenting on this matter, Keith Spangler, Executive Director of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, noted that "As important as Bridge Day itself is the spirit of Bridge Day. This spirit is alive and well, despite the problems that are associated with this year's event."

Due to recent international concerns, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce began to formulate certain options and alternatives in the event that it would be necessary to cancel this year's festival. At this time, the Fayette Country Chamber of Commerce will be actively exploring the options that may be available to proceed with the holding of this festival at an alternative location.

On this matter, Spangler noted that, "We are indeed hopeful that the State of West Virginia may be able to provide us with some funding to help buffer the financial impact of this decision and to help us maintain the true spirit of Bridge Day at an alternative site location."

Further information concerning this possible alternative will be made available in the very near future.