Oct. 7, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tony O'Leary
304-558-2288, ext. 318
toleary@callwva.com

Bridge Day 2003
West Virginia's Biggest Event Features Country's Most Daring Thrill Ride

IMPORTANT EDITOR'S NOTE: MEDIA MUST OBTAIN CREDENTIALS FOR ACCESS TO SECURED BRIDGE DAY AREAS, INCLUDING BRIDGE CATWALK, HIGH LINE AND FAYETTE STATION ROAD BENEATH THE BRIDGE. PLEASE CONTACT THE NEW RIVER CVB AT 1-800-927-0263 BY OCT. 10.

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. - In addition to the spectacle of nearly 400 daring parachutists leaping from the edge of the country's second-highest bridge, the Oct. 18, 2003, Bridge Day event features more thrills than ever for guests, including the opportunity for them to descend nearly 700 feet from the bridge to the river's edge via a "high line" cable rigging.

Bridge Day attracts as many as 250,000 visitors and is regarded as West Virginia's largest one-day event and the largest extreme sports event in the world, according to Sharon Cruikshank, director of the New River Convention and Visitors Bureau in Oak Hill, W.Va. On the third Saturday of every October, BASE jumpers from across the globe descend on this tiny town perched along the New River Gorge for their chance to jump -- legally, anyway -- from the massive steel arch bridge. There is no charge for spectators to attend the festival, although police will restrict access to some surrounding the bridge are restricted. Security will be tight and bags are subject to search or may be prohibited by officials, Cruikshank said.

This is the first year the high line has been open to the public. People interested in testing their mettle on the lengthy descent need to contact Benjy Simpson of Passages to Adventure outfitters at 304-574-1037. There is a charge for the ride. Media will be allowed to ride the high line, but must obtain credentials.

The "Taste of Bridge Day" event kicks off the weekend on Friday, Oct. 17, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Smokey's On the Gorge restaurant along Ames Heights Road in Fayetteville. Area restaurants will present their best foods for the public to sample, with awards for best foods, desserts and displays. Tickets are $1 to $5 and may be purchased at the door.

Bridge Day 2003 is sponsored by West Virginia Dodge Dealers, Charter Communications, Cellular One and Citynet. The Taste of Bridge Day is sponsored by West Virginia Dodge Dealers, Corley Distributing, WOAY-TV, WJLS and Leisure Sports Photography.

For more specific Bridge Day information, please contact the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce or the New River Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-927-0263, or visit the official Bridge Day web site at www.officialbridgeday.com. Photographs of the event are available on that site or by contacting the Division of Tourism photo lab at 1-800-225-5982.

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