This is a press release courtesy of Multnomah County's Public Affairs Office

What

Grand opening celebration for the new Sauvie Island Bridge. The $42 million structure will replace the island’s first bridge, built in 1950.  The family-oriented event will include a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting, a parade of first bridge crossings, live music, and booths featuring island products, food and visitor information.  The new bridge opens to traffic on Monday, June 23.

When

The event is from 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday, June 22.  The bridge dedication ceremony is at noon, followed by a parade of first crossings at 12:45 pm and a water cannon salute by the Portland fireboat David Campbell. From 1 pm to 4 pm live music will be provided by two honky tonk bands, The Buckles and Lisa & Her Kin.

Where

The celebration will be held on the new bridge.  The event entrance is on the island at the base of the ramp to the new bridge.  Free event parking is available at two locations north of the bridge on Sauvie Island Road.  A free shuttle service will operate throughout the day between the parking areas and the bridge. 

Who

The dedication ceremony will include remarks by Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey, County Chair Ted Wheeler, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, State Sen. Betsy Johnson, Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder and leaders from ODOT and the firms that designed and built the bridge.  The parade of first crossings will include the Pre-Bridgers, a group of more than 20 Sauvie Island residents who lived on the island before the first bridge opened.  The parade will be led by the Oregon Crusaders, a 70-piece marching band.