Lake Champlain Bridge
Lake Champlain Bridge in Crown Point
The weather is supposed to be clear blue skies for breaking out those golf clubs. After hitting the links around the Lake Placid and Champlain Valley areas, wander over to the Lake Champlain Bridge dedication ceremony this weekend, May 19-20, 2012.

The dedication of the Lake Champlain Bridge, also referred to the Crown Point Bridge, will serve as a kickoff to the summer season with the various activities including a parade, music, food and fireworks. So enjoy your round of golf and then slip over to Crown Point to join in the festivities.  

Champlain Lighthouse
Champlain Lighthouse from Lake Champlain Bridge

The Lake Champlain Bridge was condemned and closed in 2009, deconstructed, rebuilt and reopened for traffic November 7, 2011. There are books being written about it, poems being read and even a PBS documentary showcasing how the tearing and rebuilding of this bridge affected local communities.

The first Lake Champlain Bridge was designed in 1927 and completed by 1929. That first bridge was dedicated by none other than Franklin D Roosevelt, the New York State governor at that time. Vermont's Governor John E Weeks was also part of 1929 dedication ceremony.  Originally a toll bridge, tolls were absolved in 1987 when ownership of the bridge was transfered to and shared between New York and Vermont. 

This weekend celebration is a joint effect between boths Vermont and New York shores with businesses pulling together to make this worthy of the history books.  Parking will be the Crown Point (NY) State Historic Site. There will be two shuttle buses running both days, during event hours. One shuttle will be available at the Crown Point State Historic Site from the parking area to the Crown Point HIstoric Site Museum, with special handicap spots available. The other shuttle will operate between the old New York ferry road to the old Vermont ferry road. 

Don't forget that right by the Lake Champlain bridge is the beautiful Champlain Monument Lighthouse. Located at the Crown Point Campground, the Champlain Monument Lighthouse and Crown Point Pier are two great viewing places to see the new bridge and walk around the shores of Lake Champlain. The public docks at both Crown Point Historic Site and Crown Point Campground will be closed during the celebration though kayaks and boats can be launched from other area public boat launches in Port Henry and Ticonderoga. 

Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebooks series: Adirondack Family Time. Her second book about the Champlain Valley will be stores this summer. 2012.