Third annual Bridge Day Staunton set for April 25

The third annual Bridge Day Staunton will be held Saturday, April 25 from 11am-4pm. Bridge Day Staunton is a celebration of Staunton’s unique culture of local music, arts, history, food, artisans, shopping and community action. A wide variety of family-friendly activities will be on tap near the Historic Sears Hill Bridge at the Staunton Train Station and fan out into Downtown’s many independent businesses.

The Sears Hill Bridge, one of Downtown Staunton’s most recognizable historic landmarks and the story of its rescue from demolition by a group of concerned citizens were chosen by the organizing committee as apt symbols of Staunton’s local culture. Removed in November 2010, the bridge had served as a valuable pedestrian link between the Sears Hill neighborhood and downtown Staunton for more than a century. After months of conversation about restoration and who would foot the $200,000 bill, the bridge was placed in storage until funds could be raised. Concerned citizens formed a committee, Friends of the Sears Hill Bridge, to begin the fundraising efforts.

Fast forward to 2013 and the Sears Hill Bridge returned beautifully restored and ready for pedestrian traffic. The inaugural Bridge Day was held April 13, 2013. “All of the businesses here at the station are excited that the bridge is back in place and functional,” said Kay Shirey of Rachel’s Quilt Patch located at the Staunton Station. “The Sears Hill Bridge restoration demonstrates not only our preservation culture here in Staunton, but how the community can come together to save a unique piece of our history.”

Bridge Day Staunton 2015 will showcase Staunton’s independent and community-minded local culture with live music, talks, displays and children’s activities. The musical lineup includes children’s artist Chris Campbell, The Washboard Wonders, The Last Minute Band and The No Lonesome. Visit www.bridgedaystaunton.org for the full schedule! Contact Kay Shirey, 540-886-7728 for details about sponsoring or adding your business or group to the event.