Fayetteville, WV (WOAY) – Traffic across the New River Gorge Bridge will come to a halt Saturday as Bridge Day, West Virginia’s largest single-day festival, takes over the span.
Tens of thousands of people will walk out onto the bridge, their eyes on the BASE jumpers plunging 876 feet into the gorge below.
On most days, the gorge passes by in a blur at highway speed. Bridge Day offers a rare chance to stop and take in the view during what is arguably West Virginia’s most beautiful season, when the gorge is lined with red, orange and gold trees.
“Just to be able to stop and really take in all that is the New River Gorge is really something to see … When you get to walk out there and just kind of stop and then breathe it all in, it’s really beautiful, especially this time of year,” said Tim Naylor, executive assistant with the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
The tradition began in 1979, when Burton Ervin became the first person to parachute off the bridge. A year later, the chamber launched Bridge Day with the support of then-Gov. Jay Rockefeller.
Today, the festival covers a lot of ground.
“It is just a big, big party, a big extreme sports event, big vendor event, big family reunion,” Naylor said.
Away from the bridge railing, the festival stretches along Route 19.
“We got 200 vendors, food, arts and crafts, clothing, a little bit of everything,” Naylor said. “So, you know, if you don’t want to walk out on the bridge, if you’re scared of heights, there’s still plenty to do that doesn’t require you to even step foot on the bridge.”
Even among daredevils who don’t mind the height, at least one jumper will start somewhere higher than the bridge.
“We’re doing a flag jump again this year. Wild Blue Adventure Company will have a flyover with a guy who’s going to jump out with an American flag,” Naylor said.
Bridge Day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is free.
“If you’ve never been … prepare for a whole lot of walking … and just be prepared to enjoy a beautiful day,” Naylor said.
Organizers say Bridge Day has a clear bag policy for security, and owners should leave their dogs at home.
