FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. – Ready, set, jump! Bridge Day takes flight Saturday in Fayetteville. This is the 34th year for the event which features hundreds of daredevils from all over the world who will jump, rappel and take a stroll on the walkway underneath the New River Gorge Bridge.
Cindy Dragan is the director of the event which draws between 80,000 to 100,000 people to the bridge for one Saturday each October.
She said turnout all depends on two things: the weather and Mountaineer football.
According to the National Weather Service, it’s going to be a partly cloudy day with highs in the mid-60s. As for the football, WVU is playing at home. The game with Texas Tech kicks off at noon at Mountaineer Field.
The highlight of Bridge Day, the BASE jumpers, will take the plunge starting at 9 a.m. and wrap up at 3 p.m. It’s the only day of the year that BASE jumping is allowed from the bridge.
Dragan says not only is Bridge Day free, it’s a family friendly event with a car show, crafts, food and other activities.
“We know a lot of people come back every, single year. We just try to add something every year to make it better for the people who are good to us and come back and support us,” Dragan said.
This year Bridge Day will feature BMX flatland rider Terry Adams. He’ll put on a couple of shows throughout the day.
Another highlight will be a stars and stripe-studded sky dive. A local sky diver will be unfurling a giant American flag as he floats to the ground.
“Noontime look up into the sky and try to get a glimpse of that flag coming down,” urged Dragan.
There are a few things you need to leave at home if you plan on attending. Dragan said backpacks, bicycles and pets are prohibited. What you do need to bring is your wallet to shop all the booths that line the way to the bridge and of course all the tasty treats.
“We have so many vendors that have awesome food and drinks on the bridge,” Dragan stressed.
Just a reminder, the bridge, U.S. Route 19, northbound and southbound will be closed on Saturday. So if you’re traveling through, you’ll have to take a detour. You’ll need to add at least an extra 30 minutes to your drive.
For more information on the event, log on to www.officialbridgeday.com.