Saturday, October 16, 1999 -- Fayetteville
New River Gorge Bridge Day Festival

Sometimes, one step means so much

Anyone and everyone in the state of West Virginia knows about it. "Bridge Day" is always celebrated on the third Saturday in October, commemorating the October 1977 completion of the New River Gorge Bridge. Bridge Day was fist celebrated in 1980.

Although the attendance has increased each year, this year's estimated total attendance of over 300,000 was more than anyone had expected. Route 19 North was closed down for about 1/4 mile on reach side of the bridge for pedestrian use, and of course the countless vendors.

Some rappellers head back to the catwalk

For many, this unique day offers the only chance to get up close and personal with the world's longest single arch bridge. Sure there are the fearless BASE jumpers lined up and jumping as often as they can for this once a year (legal) opportunity, and there a plenty of people below the bridge on the catwalk who might get a chance to rappel 876 feet to the valley floor.

What really seems to bring the majority of people out though is the food. Funnel cakes, smoked sausage, pizza, cotton candy, etc., it is all there. If your belly isn't hangin' low like a sack of jello by the time you decide to leave, then you missed out. For many vendors, this one day event offers a huge burst for business.

So don't think that you have to to jump off the bridge to have a good time at Bridge Day, just bring an empty stomach, and a case of Rolaids...