johnson.news13

June 29, 2002 - The long planned Ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this rare Saturday morning in warm sunlight and with harp music by Heidi Soos. The community was there to see their covered bridge returned to them after its loss to snow-load one-year-and-a half ago (perhaps a record in covered bridge rebuilding). Tourists joined the townspeople to help celebrate, one from as far away as Calcutta, India.
       The ribbon cutting ceremony began at 10 a.m. with some speeches. After the ribbon was cut, the local boy scouts bore the colors through the bridge followed by the Johnson Fire department's 1935 Reo leading a procession of old cars. The covered bridge was then closed for except for pedestrians.
       The celebration continued in the village. At the Main Street Stage: Mutt & Jeff- local jazz, bluegrass duet; Spencer Lewis and the Power Duo- fiddle duet; Davy Jones- folk musician from California; Natterjack- Irish traditional and rock. At the School Street Stage: Mark Struhsacker and Tony Washburn- two members of Radio Rangers; Vermont Dance Collective- traditional, period dancing; Tammy Fletcher; and The Parsnips- fiddle group.

A rare, warm sunny morning blessed the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by Joe Nelson, June 29, 2002	The authors of the new bridge: Marc Cote, Contractor (left), and Phil Pierce, P.E., Covered Bridge Engineering Consultant. Photo by Joe Nelson, June 29, 2002

Johnson Selectboard Chair Eric Osgood opens the ceremony, Heidi Soos and her harp in the foreground. Photo by Joe Nelson, June 29, 2002	Mark Woodward, Representative for Lamoille County at the State Legislature addresses the gathering. Photo by Joe Nelson, June 29, 2002

State Senator for Lamoille County Susan Bartlett says a few words. Senator Bartlett was key in finding funds for the reconstruction. Photo by Joe Nelson, June 29, 2002	The ribbon is cut! Photo by Joe Nelson, June 29, 2002

California folk singer Davy Jones sings his covered bridge song, composed for the occasion. Photo by Joe Nelson, June 29, 2002	The Johnson Fire Department's 1935 Reo is first to pass though the new bridge, as local boy scout troops line the guard rails. Photo by Joe Nelson, June 29, 2002

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This file posted August 5, 2001, revised June 30, 2002