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  Events focused on the re-opening of the Market Street Bridge got off to a festive start when Mountain States Contractors hosted a "casual" gala for those involved with the reconstruction and those sponsoring the weekend schedule of activities.
 Mayor Ron Littlefield, City of Chattanooga, comments on the bridge and makes a special presentation.
Click here to play video ________________________________________  Paul Diggs, TDOT, speaks about Market Street Bridge and it's significance to the city, state, and history.
Click here to play video ________________________________________  Senator Bo Watson praises the work on the Market Street Bridge restoration.
Click here to play video ________________________________________ Beginning with a cocktail reception on the "Southern Approach" to the bridge, next to the Tennessee Aquarium, featuring the hammer dulcimer music of Dan Landrum, the evening progressed to a dramatic lowering of the drawbridge sections of the two halves of the bridge to symbolically and literally reconnect downtown with the North Shore. The reconnection was then celebrated with dinner on the Northern approach catered by Swiss Am. This elegant meal was punctuated with comments from Mistress of Ceremonies Cindy Sexton, WRCB-TV anchor; recognition of elected officials; eloquent toasts by Linda Bennett and Sally Robinson; a special presentation by City Mayor, Ron Littlefield, and culminated with dancing under the stars, both natural and manmade, with fireworks courtesy of the Chattanooga Lookouts. Two special artistic presentations were made during the evening. A framed copy of a new work by artist, Brent Sanders, entitled, "Market Street Bridge Ascending," was presented to Jerry Britain, of Mountain States Contractors, as a momento for the hard work of his company and many others on the restoration of the bridge. "The Wisp," a special paperweight sized glass orb, designed by Tommy Spake's, each showcasing an original color wisp combination, was presented as a gift to all attendees ensconced on a dramatic base projecting lights of changing colors up throuogh the orb. The base was donated by Comcast. This evening was a perfect overture to the events of the full Bridge Re-Opening weekend on the river. |
