Event goers on the Veternans Memorial Bridge (Keith Walsh – Beaver County Radio)
Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published June 27, 2023 2:52 P.M.
(Bridgewater, PA) Beaver County experienced what easily may have been the biggest Summer event to take place in the county this past weekend. Chair of the Beaver County Tourism and Recreation Board, Tony Caltury, spoke with Mike Romigh Tuesday morning during “Live Mic” reflecting on “Boom on the Bridge”. Caltury said that the data of Saturday’s event is still being compiled, but the early estimates show that at least 10,000 people attended the festivities.
Caltury said the stars of the show “Big & Rich”, were possible to book because of the support of East Rochester Shop n’ Save and True Value. Cowboy Troy also performed at the show.
“It was a great, friendly, safe crowd” Beaver County really showed out.” says Caltury. Public and private entities cooperated to make it fun and safe without being a hinderance to those who weren’t attending. Sheriff Tony Guy was the head of safety operations for the event. No incidents were reported.
Local businesses were prepared for the increase of patrons. Food trucks, vendors, and breweries set up shop on the bridge. 45 port-o-johns helped keep things clean. “Boats and kayaks were positioned under the bridge” said Caltury. DJ Frye of Frye Transportation made shuttle service go off without a hitch. “Our goal was a family friendly event, where everyone could be safe”.
He says they had the idea for the festival a year ago, but East Rochester Shop n’ Save and True Value were able to make it really happen. Caltury also thanks Push Beaver County of the Beaver County Boom, who helped grow the event and made some connections that made “Boom on the Bridge” possible.
When asked “how are you going to top it?”, Caltury says ideas are big and they’re looking to expand the event, possibly considering a multi day event. “Wheels are already turning for next year, we put this together in two months from beginning to end”.