N.B. covered bridge turning 100

HARTLAND, New Brunswick – In a province of covered bridges, the century-old wooden structure spanning the St. John River is something special.

This summer the world’s longest covered bridge is celebrating its 100th birthday with music, feasts and ceremonies in and around Hartland.

Designated a provincial historic site by the New Brunswick government last year, the 1,282-foot bridge was opened to the public in 1922 replacing an uncovered timber crib structure opened July 4, 1901, which had been damaged by ice.

In later years a covered pedestrian walkway was added.

Six piers and two concrete-reinforced abutments hold the bridge in place. Lacking ornamentation and construction details, the bridge is unpainted and sided with plain vertical boards.

Traditions and folk stories surround the bridge, including tales of luck granted to lovers who steal a kiss among the bridge’s shadows and to those who make a wish while crossing it.

Events celebrating the bridge’s anniversary kick off Wednesday, July 4, with a parade of antique cars and a re-enactment of the 1901 opening at 5:30 p.m. Atlantic time.

The sold-out anniversary dinner at 7 p.m. will be followed by a square-dancing demonstration on the bridge, a Dixieland band and fireworks.

Later this summer Hartland will hold a car rally, a potato festival and concerts honoring its historic bridge.

In 1980 the Hartland covered bridge was declared a National Historic Site and a postage stamp honoring the bridge was launched in 1995.