Home » Big Four pedestrian bridge grand opening set for June 25 in Louisville

Big Four pedestrian bridge grand opening set for June 25 in Louisville

800px-Big_Four_Bridge,_opening_weekendWill include a family-friendly parade led by governor, mayors

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 12, 2014) — The Big Four pedestrian bridge will have its official dedication ceremony Wednesday, June 25 with a parade from both sides of the river that meets in the middle of the span.

Gov. Steve Beshear and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer will lead the Kentucky side of the parade while Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore will head up the Indiana side.

People who wish to participate in the parade should line up on the Kentucky and Indiana ramps prior to the step-off at exactly 5 p.m. The two parades will meet in the center of the bridge for an official dedication ceremony.

Families, joggers, bikers, and everyone who loves the bridge are invited to participate and decorate their bikes, wagons, strollers, etc. Participants are asked to line up on either ramp.

After the ceremony, the WFPK Waterfront Wednesday will take place at the base of the Big Four Bridge in Louisville; meanwhile businesses, bars and restaurants in downtown Jeffersonville will stay open late.

The 6 p.m. Waterfront concert is free to the public and will feature the Old 97s, The Whigs and Dawn Landes as well as upscale festival cuisine including gyros, vegetarian items, ice cream, a full cash bar and free ice cold water.

“When the ramp opened, we only had a few hours’ notice. But hundreds of people still descended on the bridge to be the first across,” Fischer said. “That was a great day. Now, we want to have a planned celebration that even more people can participate in!”

“This is a day that has been long anticipated and it will be remembered for even longer – especially by the young people taking their first trip across the bridge,” Beshear said, noting that he also is looking forward to walking across the bridge.

David Karem, president of the Waterfront Development Corp., said the event was a fitting way to celebrate.

“The Big Four was always on the top of the list of features people wanted to see at Waterfront Park,” Karem said. “People had high expectations and it has exceeded them. In fact, over 500,000 pedestrians and cyclists have been recorded on the bridge since we began measuring last June. This is a staggering number. People love walking, running and biking across this bridge.”

Moore said that Jeffersonville businesses were excited about welcoming Big Four fans. “Whether you want a beer, or an ice cream cone or to do a little shopping, downtown Jeffersonville is ready to make your trip across the bridge even more fun, no matter which side you start on,” he said.