Party for new bridge is Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE - Mudgy Moose and Millie Mouse will lead the way as The Coeur d'Alene Resort celebrates the opening of the new Boardwalk Marina bridge.

The bridge re-opening ceremony is 10 a.m. Saturday, May 29.

"We're excited to have Mudgy and Millie join us," said Jerry Jaeger, president of Hagadone Hospitality. "It will be a ceremony that's fun for young, and young-at-heart, alike."

Plans include Mudgy cutting a banner and leading a group of children over the new bridge to the tune of the Mudgy and Millie title song. The characters are from a book by Coeur d'Alene author Susan Nipp, which has become a national phenomenon including a dedicated walking trail in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Proceeds from the sale of books and merchandise benefit the Coeur d'Alene Public Library.

"We're inviting children to join us for a fun ceremony and a chance to meet Mudgy and Millie," said Ruth Pratt, Library Foundation executive director. Nipp will attend the event and sign books, Pratt said.

The previous Boardwalk Marina bridge was completed in the spring of 1985, and christened in front of a live television audience on Good Morning America. Since then, an electronic counter on the boardwalk has recorded more than one million visitors per year on the world's longest floating boardwalk.

The new bridge is built of Alaskan yellow cedar to extend its life over the original one. The channel beneath the bridge provides the only means of access for all the boats in the marina, as well as for boating visitors.

Parents and children are invited to attend the ceremony at the Boardwalk Marina bridge, on the west (clock tower) side of the boardwalk.

Information: (208) 769-2380