Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Celebration Nears
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to San Francisco on May 27th to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge. But this time, festivities won't take place on the landmark structure.
There will not be another bridge walk for pedestrians, like the one that took place in 1987 for the 50th anniversary celebration. Back then, hundreds of thousands of people jammed onto the bridge, causing it to flatten.
In fact, the bridge will be closed on May 27th to pedestrians from 6 p.m. until after an 18-minute fireworks show that begins at 9:30 p.m. Event organizers are warning commuters that traffic on the bridge will briefly be stopped during the fireworks display.
KCBS' Doug Sovern Reports:
Organizers are saying there will be no shortage of festivities. Don Richards, the producer of the event, said instead there will be a waterfront festival from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Fort Point to the Marina.
Bridge manager Kary Witt thinks it's a good idea.
"With the bridge as a backdrop, Crissy Field along with Marina Green; the waterfront of San Francisco is an ideal location for that many people to come celebrate, but also to have adequate food, water, facilities, etc. to have a really fun day," he said.
That day will include vintage cars, a flotilla of ships, a popup museum of bridge history, performances by Mickey Hart and Beach Blanket Babylon, along with the fireworks show, according to Richards. But he didn't reveal everything planned for the celebration.
"It'll be a surprise, there are a few things that we're not letting out of the bag and it's really exciting," Richards said.
Richards said come by foot, bike, bus or boat, but leave the car at home.
Spectators will also be able to take it all in from the Marin County side of the bridge as well.
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