A Look Back: Staunton’s First ‘Bridge Day’

[Over the weekend Staunton celebrated “Bridge Day.” Here’s a look back at “Sears Hill Bridge Day offers festive atmosphere in historic downtown Staunton” held on April 13, 2013.]

Sears Hill Bridge Day in Staunton, Virginia – Noon on April 13, 2013 – Dedication of the refurbished foot bridge over the railroad tracks connecting the Sears Hill neighborhood to the Historic Wharf District of downtown Staunton. It was reminiscent of a Mayberry day with the local Stonewall Brigade Band providing music, balloons, and a turnout of citizens from throughout the region to join in the festive mood. City Council members and other local dignitaries joined in with business owners and others.

The crowd spilled out onto the cobblestone parking area and into the street including ladies dressed in Victorian attire.

 

The husbands….

 

President Woodrow Wilson aka Judd Bankert arrived in the Pierce Arrow from the nearby Woodrow Wilson Birthplace accompanied by Mayor Lacy King.

Judd makes a very convincing 28th President of the United States.

 

Local businessman Tom Sheets recognized businesses who participated as well as donors.

Councilwoman Andrea Oakes on the bridge with a constituent.

Afterward, we walked to the Clocktower Restaurant on Beverley Street for lunch with friends.

 

 

Lunch at Clocktower was followed by a walk to the Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room on Middlebrook Avenue where we enjoyed a tasting and glasses of award-winning wine on the outdoor patio.

Congratulations to homeschool friends and owners John and Susan Kiers who were recently named by the Washington Post as one of the mid-Atlantic top ten wineries to check out. My favorites were the Ox-Eye Riesling and White Ox and, while I’m usually a Riesling girl, the White Ox was a tad sweeter and went home with me … but I’ll be back for a bottle of the Riesling next time.

For more photos of the Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room, check out Ox-Eye Vineyards offers wine tastings and fun in downtown Staunton.

With temperatures in the  mid- to upper-60s and bountiful sunshine, it was a perfect day in downtown Staunton to enjoy the festivities and all this small city has to offer.

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Originally posted April 13, 2013