A BASE jumper, right, plunges toward the New River. Thousands of professional and amateur adrenaline junkies, extreme sports enthusiasts and fans packed the deck of the bridge for a day of thrills mixed in with a few chills in the crisp fall air.
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Whether you go to see the scenery, chat with old friends, or watch someone jump out into the wild blue sky, Bridge Day offers something for everyone.
The 35th annual Bridge Day kicked off around 9 a.m. Saturday and welcomed thousands of people from all over the U.S.
“I came down here about 15 years ago,” George Rose of Maryland said. “I thought it was a neat way to spend a day, so my wife and I took the day off and came down here. I love the scenery.
“The colors are great and the mountains are beautiful. I love seeing all the sights. The jumpers are great and I love that I get to escape to some place so beautiful. This is a break in the action for us.”
Locals take the time to appreciate the bridge and its beauty too.
“This is just something to do,” Eugene Hackworth of Summersville said. “I come here every year. I like to see the people. I like the walk. It really is an enjoyable walk. This makes me appreciate the bridge more, especially the scenery around the bridge.”
For some, Bridge Day was a chance to sell T-shirts and food. For others, it was about getting their cause out there…
