FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The sting of consecutive Bridge Day cancellations in 2020 and 2021 was felt throughout the Mountain State and beyond. So when the green light was given for festivities to return the New River Gorge Bridge on Saturday, attendees flocked to the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the nation to partake in the fun.
Shuttle buses remained perpetually active Saturday as festival-goers were shipped to and from the New River Gorge on what turned out to be one of the hottest days in Southern West Virginia since the arrival of Fall just last month.
Pedestrian traffic along the festival area was shoulder-to-shoulder throughout much of the day, as brilliant shades of autumnal hues cast picturesque overtones to compliment the proceedings.
While the primary draw of the event each year is arguably the base jumping which occurs from the bridge itself at 876ft (or more if one is inclined to utilize the scissor lift on-site,) for many the appeal of the local tradition is more communal.
Much akin to similar, albeit significantly smaller, local events such as Chili Night, what Bridge Day provides is a local gathering place – a means of conducting business, conversation, and general fraternization at no base cost.
This is also before considering all the event has to offer through the litany of vendors and displays erected throughout the area each year well before sunrise the day of the event.
These include local names such as Visit Southern WV, Jan-Care Ambulance Service, Community Connections, WV Department of Tourism, and many more, along with plenty of food and drink vendors offering kettle corn, baked goods, ice cold drinks, and plenty of other delicious treats.
Face-painting booths were available for the kids in attendance, while marketplace vendors offering everything from clothing and jewelry to sprays and hand soap ensured there was something for everyone who made the trip out to beautiful Fayette County.
Even before their arrival at the bridge itself where jumping was taking place, there was plenty for spectators to sink their teeth into along the way on Route 19, with stunt riders demonstrating high-risk maneuvers in a designated area right along the vendor line.
One jumper, Charlie Anderson of South Georgia, demonstrated the packing of a parachute for a jump before a crowd of onlookers.
First taking the plunge at just 16 years old, Anderson would develop an interest in base jumping as well as skydiving, and now partakes in 20 to 60 jumps per year.
“It’s a different type of feeling,” he says of the experience. Base jumping is a lot different than skydiving. I grew up skydiving, you get that speed and acceleration.”
Anderson says he has made the journey to the Mountain State for every Bridge Day dating back to 2016.
Such a colossal gathering of individuals requires the utmost care in prevention of potential disaster, which is why some of the most highly capable individuals and entities in the state are brought together each year to ensure the safety of attendees.
Firstly, Jan-Care Ambulance Service, led by Safety Operator Paul Seamann, equips the area with EMS personnel from the bridge and surrounding areas all the way down to the bottom area designated for landings. It is here Seamann and the Jan-Care rescue team monitor the proceedings and take action when necessary.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia State Police, and Department of Highways were among those present to ensure order and safety ,along with U.S. Marshal Michael Baylous and his Deputies with the Southern District of West Virginia.
One noteworthy officer conducted her final rounds with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department on Saturday, as announced by Sheriff Mike Fridley.
“Today, at the conclusion of Bridge Day 2022, we congratulate K9 Java on her retirement after 6 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Fayette County,” said Fridley.
“Java ended her service being partnered with Corporal Korey Spears. Both deputies obtaining certification from the West Virginia Police Canine Association for Explosive Detection.
K-9 Java and Corporal Spears also have conducted hundreds of public demonstrations throughout Fayette County. They have had the pleasure of representing the Department at many events and meeting thousands of people in the process.
Thank you Deputy Java.”
Despite two consecutive years of inactivity, if Saturday’s events were any indication, West Virginia’s largest single-day festival remains alive and well, and will undoubtedly serve as a prime destination once more for residents across the country in 2023.