Bridges Alight—May 2nd, 2003

The Charles River Conservancy (CRC), in an effort to renew the parklands and draw attention to the shores and bridges, will be sponsoring Bridges Alight, a celebration complete with a bridge lighting component as well as a variety of events to engage and entertain those who come to the river.

In 2001, the CRC sponsored a similar "Lights Across the Charles" event on the winter solstice (Friday, December 21). Over two hundred people braved the bitter cold to gather on the Weeks footbridge and share hot cider while listening to speakers address the value of the parklands.

This year, the Conservancy hopes to draw even more people to the bridge lighting and bring attention to the need for restoring the Charles River Parklands and bridges. Deciding it was too cold to expect large crowds for another winter event, the CRC opted to move the bridge lighting to the spring—a time when people are venturing outside again, students are still in the city, and the parklands are waking from a long, cold winter. Also, the CRC wanted to make the event a more participatory and inclusive affair, encouraging people to bring their own flashlights to spread the light across the water and parklands.

This celebration is slated for Friday, May 2 (with a rain-date of Saturday, May 3), from 7 to 9 pm. Light artist John Powell will illuminate the Weeks and Anderson Bridges as people gather in the parklands to participate in and listen to a variety of performances along the river. Confirmed performers include the West African Drummers from the Berklee School of Music, Riversong, Made in the Shade, Josh Baumer, Liz Carlisle, Scott Fruhan, and the Gamelan Galak Tika of MIT, who will have with them Pak Dewa Alit, a renowned Balinese composer and musician.

This event starts a season of Charles River Parkland events including the Riverbend Park Sunday Closing of Memorial Drive, the 25th River Festival of the Cambridge Arts Council on June 14th, and the ongoing stewardship efforts of the Conservancy Volunteers to take care of the shores. Join us on the Parklands!

If you have any questions, please call the CRC or email crc@thecharles.org.

[See also: Directions to Bridges Alight.]

Sponsors include: Wise Construction Corporation; Massachusetts Cultural Council; Goody, Clancy & Associates; Cambridge Arts Council; and the Allston Brighton Civic Association; in collaboration with ARTS FIRST and the Office for the Arts at Harvard.