The Bridgefest parade starts the weekend with a lot of excitement. More than 65 floats will travel from Hancock into Houghton Friday night. With so many spectators lining the streets, vehicles slowly crawling along the route, and organizations passing out candy and treats to kids of all ages.
We try to keep the spectators as safe as possible. Remember, you’re supposed to throw the candy from foot, not from vehicles. The reason is, that we don’t want to have the candy thrown out in front of another vehicle and have kids getting too close out there. – John Donnelly, Chief of Police, City of Houghton Police Department
Houghton and Hancock police departments will begin shutting down Sheldon and Quincy avenues at 5 pm. Police will limit parking on the street. Houghton Police Chief John Donnelly says at 6;45 officials will close the roads. Traffic passing through the region can travel on Hancock Street and the southbound side of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.
Which gives more room for spectators to stand there and try to stay away from the vehicles. It’s always really difficult, especially coming to that turn off the bridge into the downtown to try to keep all the people back there. I guess our big thing is to make sure we keep everybody safe on that. – John Donnelly, Chief of Police, City of Houghton Police Department
Houghton City Manager Eric Waara says drivers in the parade will need to pay attention to the road and speed. Adding don’t feel offended if he doesn’t wave back.
That is because I know that driving for years, I get a lot from a lot of people, you didn’t wave. No, I’m looking for toddlers. And sometimes I’m looking for counselors because they tend to cross. That’s probably whoever’s at the wheel with their foot on the gas pedal, that is the only thing they’re concentrating – Eric Waara, City Manager, City of Houghton
On Saturday the lot next to the waterfront pier in Houghton will empty and fill up with big rigs, local patrol vehicles, firetrucks, and more.
We’re also trying to work with clearing out the parking lot for the big truck or touch a truck that will be held down there in the 500 lot, the Maddow lot down there. Getting those vehicles that will be all moved out of there would be a three or four-day project, but we hope to work with Public Works and get that all done. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly through the breakfast. – John Donnelly, Chief of Police, City of Houghton Police Department
Throughout the weekend drivers might find it difficult to find parking. Especially near Kestner Park. Starting at 5 pm on Friday and running through midnight on Saturday, a shuttle service will pick up festival goers and help people experience Bridgefest. The route will loop around activity in Kestner Park and downtown Houghton. Rides will run every 15 minutes at specific sites. Learn more about Bridgefest parade safety and parking information online.
