Bridge Day is an annual festival held on the third Saturday of October in Fayetteville, West Virginia, celebrating the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Bridge Day 2024 falls on October 19. This event, which started in 1980, marks the anniversary of the bridge’s completion and draws thousands of thrill-seekers and spectators. One of the main attractions is BASE jumping, where participants leap off the 876-foot bridge, making it one of the few places in the U.S. where this is legal for a day. Additionally, the event includes rappelling, zip-lining, and various vendors, making it a must-visit for adrenaline enthusiasts and families alike. October 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Complete List of Important National and International Days and Dates.
The New River Gorge Bridge, completed in 1977, is one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, spanning 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge. The festival not only highlights the engineering marvel of the bridge but also celebrates West Virginia’s natural beauty and adventurous spirit. Bridge Day has since grown to be one of the largest one-day festivals in the state, offering a mix of extreme sports and scenic vistas. As you observe Bridge Day 2024, we check out these famous bridges from around the world that you must visit.
Golden Gate Bridge (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
1. Golden Gate Bridge (USA): This suspension bridge, located in San Francisco, is an iconic symbol of the United States. Spanning 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1937.
Tower Bridge (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
2. Tower Bridge (UK): An architectural marvel in London, this combination of bascule and suspension bridge has stood since 1894. Famous for its two massive towers, Tower Bridge opens to allow ships to pass through the River Thames.
Sydney Harbour Bridge (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
3. Sydney Harbour Bridge (Australia): Nicknamed “The Coathanger,” this steel arch bridge has been a defining feature of Sydney’s skyline since 1932. It connects Sydney’s central business district with the North Shore, offering stunning views of the harbour.
Brooklyn Bridge (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
4. Brooklyn Bridge (USA): Completed in 1883, this hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at its opening and is now a historic landmark.
Millau Viaduct (Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons)
5. Millau Viaduct (France): The tallest bridge in the world, this cable-stayed structure rises 1,125 feet above the Tarn River Valley in southern France. Opened in 2004, its breath-taking height and sleek design make it an engineering wonder.
Bridge Day celebrates the remarkable engineering feat of the New River Gorge Bridge while embracing adventure and the natural beauty of West Virginia. It’s a unique event that attracts thrill-seekers and admirers of structural wonders. Similarly, the world’s famous bridges, from the Golden Gate to the Millau Viaduct, showcase the brilliance of human ingenuity, blending aesthetics, functionality, and awe-inspiring design. These iconic structures not only connect cities and countries but also stand as symbols of innovation, history, and culture.
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on Oct 19, 2024 06:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).
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