The iconic Roebling Bridge may be closed to cars, but there are still a number of bridge-related events happening this May.
Bridge tours, Sat. May 11, 10:00 and 11:30 a.m.
All your burning questions about the bridge, its history and construction will be answered during one of the two free tours being given by Bridge Committee members on Sat. May 11. The tours last about an hour and start at 10:00 and 11:30. Tickets are free, but space is limited to 15 people for each tour, so be sure to sign up at this website. This event will be rain or shine.
Pub Crawl to support the Bridge Committee, Sat. May 11, 1 p.m.
On the same day as the bridge tours, Saturday May 11, you can support the Bridge Committee and enjoy local beer and food at the Pub Crawl in Covington’s Roebling Point neighborhood. The event is sponsored by Great Lakes Brewing Co., MadTree Brewing and Bell’s Whiskey and the proceeds will be donated to the Bridge Committee.
The first stop is Keystone Bar & Grill at 1 p.m..
Smoke Justis is next, at 2 p.m.
Molly Malone’s is the 3 p.m. stop.
The Gruff winds up the crawl at 4 p.m.
Bring some friends, learn about the bridge and enjoy some great beer and delicious food!
Historic Safe Opening: Thurs. May 16 at 10 a.m., Covington Branch of Kenton County Library
When the Covington Cincinnati Bridge Company was in charge of what is now known as the Roebling Bridge, their offices contained a large safe. This 150-year-old safe was last opened in the early 1950’s when management of the bridge transitioned from the Bridge Company to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
On May 16, the safe will be opened for the first time in over 65 years. Professional safecrackers were brought in to figure out how to get it open and you can be among the first to see what is inside. Join historians, bridge enthusiasts and secret seekers of all kinds to watch the safe be opened live. What historic documents does it contain? Perhaps it’s empty! Either way, the safe itself is a piece of the bridge’s long history.
Roebling Bridge Talk: Tues. May 21, 7:30-9 p.m., Nathanael Greene Lodge, Green Township
Join Don Heinrich Tolzmann, Bridge Committee board member and historian, for his informative talk, “John A. Roebling and His Suspension Bridge on the Ohio River.”
Officially known as the Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee (CCSBC), this group of volunteers keeps the lights burning and the flags flying on the iconic bridge.
Although safety lighting is provided by the state, the decorative “necklace lights,” as well as the flags that wave over each tower, are purchased and maintained by the CCSBC.
The group also promotes the bridge by sharing its history, giving tours and sponsoring an annual Roebling Bridge photography contest. Membership information and more can be found at the website.
