Fayette County, WV (WOAY)
“For me, it’s just all the different folks. I mean, I’ve met people today from New York, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee—I mean, it’s just pretty neat to see folks that drive all the way in here from other states to take part in this,” said C&L Concessions owner Craig Clemens in front of his giant lemon-shaped lemonade stand, an ocean of people on either side.
The sheer abundance of people who come to Bridge Day is apparent the moment you start the walk down Route 19.
John Beaver, president of The Iron Beaver Metalworks, noted, “There are a lot of people that come through here, and they’re all from all over the country, good people…” A woman walking behind him proudly yelled the name of her home state: North Carolina. “…And they really enjoy Bridge Day.”
Among the nearly 200 vendors along the road, festivalgoers can find delicious food, refreshing drinks, handcrafted artwork, and merchandise of all kinds.
“We create metal art. We do custom work for people. We do signs for businesses… We enjoy what we do. We try to make a good product for everyone. And the bridge is a great place to show it off,” said Beaver, in front of an array of hand-machined West Virginia-themed signs and an abundance of other metal artworks.
Some customers return to certain vendors year after year for their unique experiences—like kettlecorn popped right behind the counter, lemonade served from a giant lemon, or self-served soda from a keg. Michael David with Wild Bill’s Soda says people love their original sodas made with cane sugar and the fun of dispensing them in their souvenir cups:
“Everyone loves it because they get to get their own sodas and it makes it easy. You get what you want and mix them up if you want as well.”
Rick Norris with Kettle-licious Kettle Corn says that their operation started years ago with only one kettle popper, but they’ve had to bring in a second to keep up with demand:
“It’s quite challenging because—of course, you know we brought two machines—it takes every bit of that to keep up… A lot of people every year come back, and we really appreciate all that.”
For other vendors, Bridge Day is about reaching people for a bigger cause. C.O.O. Dustin “Dusty” Gebhardt says his nonprofit, 22 Jumps, uses base jumping as a platform to help prevent veteran suicide.
“What’s really cool is that we get to use this as an introduction to a conversation that’s a much bigger problem. And the bigger problem is veteran suicide. And the bigger problem is underfunded research for traumatic brain injury, and underfunded—and nonexistent—programs for veterans to be able to get out of whatever dark hole they’re in. And so we’re out here, we’re raising money, and we’re trying to change the world.”
On the bridge or on the walk to it, Bridge Day has something for everyone. Looking at all the people enjoying the festival in front of his giant lemon, Clemens said, “If you have never experienced Bridge Day, it’s something you need to come out and do at least one time in your life. It’s a good time.”
Beaver, showing off a handmade metal firepit, added, “Bridge Day is the place to be. Everybody needs to show up and be here next year.”
