Big River Trail opens Saturday
Big River Trail opens Saturday
Day of fireworks, festivities planned for Grand Opening
news@theeveningtimes.com
A new connection over to Memphis via the Big River Crossing bike/pedestrian path on the north side of the Harahan bridge opens Saturday. Festivities in West Memphis mirror those in the Bluff City on Saturday.
The day holds promise for train enthusiasts, cyclists, hikers, sight seers and photographers, blues fans, and pyrotechnic-philes.
The pathway is a sturdy one- mile metal deck with high guard rails on the river side and an eleven foot tall screen separates the path from the rail traffic. A beautiful panorama from the unprotected side of the St. Francis Levee pans past the Hernando DeSoto Bridge, the Pyramid, and the riverside skyline in Memphis.
Doug Carpenter representing the BRC and former Memphis Mayor A.C.
Wharton toured the bridge Monday afternoon as workers stayed busy with final clean-up work on the deck.
“It’s a unique experience,” said Carpenter. “It’s not a thrill ride but it leaves a big impression. When you consider the natural beauty on the Arkansas side and appreciate the use of the levee and the farming and you sense the power of the river with the shipping traffic next to the busy City of Memphis it creates a memorable experience. People will do much of the marketing for us as they post pictures and comments on social media.”
Wharton remembered the project’s beginnings. He noted hurdles immediately after a $40 million TIGER grant landed initial funding. More local, State and Federal money combined with private donations to complete the BRC development and construction.
“I remember first thing after the grant, the fiber optic companies saying we couldn’t do it because if one of their lines across the river was cut it would cripple communications throughout the country,” said Wharton. “It’s come a long way. It’s really and impressive view.”
Opening ceremonies run from 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, featuring Governor Asa Hutchinson. Those wanting to be the first to cross should note the gate doesn’t open to the public until 1 p.m. Award winning BBQ and entertainment kick off at the same time on the Harahan landing in West Memphis. A “Bridging the Blues” theme driving the performances on the west bank, with Kenneth Jackson from 1 to 2:45 p.m.; local favorites, The Incredible Infinity band will play from 3 to 4:45 p.m.; followed by the Atlanta- based King Bees, featuring Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins. Fireworks sponsored by the West Memphis A& P will impress those with a vantage point on the bridge walk or along the riverside in Memphis at 7 p.m.
Visitor parking for the grand opening events in West Memphis is at Lawler’s Fireworks. Take Exit 1 and go north from under I-55. A shuttle from that lot to the Harahan runs throughout the day. The last bus runs at 8 p.m., immediately following the fireworks.
“They will use six- and ten-inch mortars,” said West Memphis Tourism Director Jim Jackson. “These are big shells that go from 600 feet up to 1,000 feet.”
By John Rech
