Bridge Day still on despite government shutdown, Morrisey says

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. (WBOY) — If you had plans to head down to Fayette County this weekend for one of West Virginia’s most famous celebrations, fear not!

In a release put out Tuesday, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that the state plans to extend its donor agreement with the National Park Service in order to keep the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve open for Bridge Day on Oct. 18.

“Folks across West Virginia look forward to Bridge Day every year,” Governor Morrisey said. “It’s important for many of our small businesses in Southern West Virginia to have a successful Bridge Day. We’re working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that the festivities move forward without a hitch.”

The donor agreement Morrisey is referring to was signed just days after the federal government shut down, and guaranteed two full weeks of operation and funding via a deal between the National Park Service and the West Virginia Department of Tourism. Morrisey said at the time that the deal could be reevaluated if needed.

Tuesday’s announcement ensures that the New River Gorge and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will remain open and “fully operational” for Bridge Day, but did not specify if the parks will remain open from Oct. 15-17 or any time after that, assuming the government remains shut down.