65,000 Participate in Bridge Walk
65,000 Participate in Bridge Walk
The Mackinac Bridge Authority announced that 65,000 walkers participated in this year’s Mackinac Bridge walk. Under clear skies, a cool 51 degree temperature and brisk winds, Governor John Engler, his wife Michelle, and their three daughters began the annual Labor Day event just after 7:00 a.m. on Monday, September 4, 2000.
With the exception of a bus breakdown at approximately 8:40 a.m., this year’s walk went very well. A school bus providing shuttle service for bridge walkers suffered a broken axle on a trip north, blocking northbound traffic for nearly one hour. Traffic began moving smoothly after the bus was moved to one of the “walking” lanes.
The weather cooperated with nearly perfect walking conditions. The cool weather at the start may have kept a few people from starting early but people came out in large numbers once the the sun warmed up the brisk Straits air.
This is the 35th year in a row that the Governor of the State of Michigan has participated in the walk. The late Governor G. Mennen Williams participated in the first walk in 1958. The first walk was held in June of 1958 in connection with the Mackinac Bridge dedication activities. In 1959, the date of the walk was changed to Labor Day and has been held on that day ever since. This year marked the 42nd Labor Day walk and the 43rd bridge walk. The first walk had about 65 participants.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority would like to express our thanks to those who worked with us to make this a safe and pleasant event for all. We also want to thank the participants for observing the bridge walk rules. We look forward to another great walk next year. See you in 2001!
