All you need to know about this rare bridge access event.
Photo Credit: Seth Dochter (Lancaster County Magazine)
If you've lived in South-Central Pennsylvania for awhile, you've probably been to the annual Bridge Bust event...OR, you've, at least, heard of it. If so + if not, here's your go-to guide to this wonderful event.
The Event
Bridge Bust is an outdoor festival that attracts over 20,000 people every year in October. The Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge (Rt. 462), a 1.25 mile-long, old stone bridge is closed down to traffic in order to accommodate nearly 300 vendors; live music, food trucks, antiques, crafts, wineries + handcrafted goods.
Photo Credit: Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce (SVCC)
History
The Veteran's Memorial Bridge (commonly known to most locals as the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge; as it connects the two towns) was constructed over the Susquehanna River in 1929 and opened in September of 1930. It spans across the River from York County to Lancaster County. It's "arched form" was popular in the early 1900's. The bridge also remains as part of our nation's first transcontinental highway (Route 462).
Photo Credit: NPS
Vendors
The stunning views and amazing history are not the only attractions to this event. The talented, local craftsmen(+ ladies) offer their wares for great prices. I mean, really. It's not too often where you can buy just about anything that you can think of, handmade...from the maker. Stock up on your local favorites AND check some names off of your Christmas list a little early this year. If you can get your hands on a list of vendors (usually posted here on the Facebook event, or here on their website, within a week of the event), remember that booth numbers begin on the Columbia side and increase towards the Wrightsville side. Also, most vendors now accept credit cards, but you may want to bring some cash, just in case, so you can get your spend on.
Photo Credit: Columbia News and Views
Event Details
This year, 2019, is the 31st Anniversary for Bridge Bust. It will take place Saturday, October 5th from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. There is free parking on either side of the bridge. Gladfelter Memorial Park serves as the lot for the Columbia/Lancaster side + Eastern York High School for the Wrightsville/York side. A free shuttle will run throughout the day to take you from your car to the entrance to the bridge. Just follow the signs. A few years ago a rain date was added to the event, after a few die-hards were forced to brave the weather on the day of the Bridge Bust event during a hurricane. This year, the rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, October 12th. In case of poor weather, a decision will be made by 5:00PM on 10/4. Keep an eye here, on their Facebook event page, for the call if the weather is looking sketchy. Keep the puppy at home for the day. There are no pets allowed, since there is no access to grass across the bridge. Tickets should be purchased at the entrance to the bridge on either side. Prices this year are $3 for ages 12 + up, $2 for ages 6-11, and all kiddos 5 + under are FREE. Remember the ticket costs are cash-only.
Photo Credit: Emily Yewchuck (Saucy Asylum)
Saucy Asylum
Although we've been vending at this event for 4 years, this is our first year with our recently-launched brand, Saucy Asylum. Our booth number is #35 and we are located very close to the Columbia side of the bridge. As always, we'll have a few event-only deals that you won't want to miss. So come out, enjoy the picturesque views + be sure to say "hello"!
Photo Credit: Lancaster Online
Tips
So you've decided to come out + enjoy the rare stroll over the Veteran's Memorial Bridge? Here are a few thoughts to consider:- Be sure to wear comfy shoes.
- Bring a backpack, rolling cart, stroller or wagon. It certainly helps with those must-have deals.
- Stroll the whole way. Make sure you make it all the way across. Trust me. For bacon on a stick, it's worth it.
- Come hungry. You'll be glad you did.
The weather is looking perfectly Fall-like + pleasant for the 2019 31st Annual Bridge Bust. Why not come out + enjoy the event? We'll see you there.
-By Jenn Leisenring --Owner + head #saucymama for Saucy Asylum. Saucy Asylum is a truly natural bath + body company for the hard-working, busy Mama. Don't worry about making time for trips to the spa, or expensive vacations. You can "be your own escape" with your own Saucy Asylum products.
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