Thousands Party on The Colorado Street Bridge

Under a cloudless summer sky and bathed in a golden sunset, thousands of Pasadenans and their neighbors packed the Colorado Street Bridge Saturday evening to enjoy music, dancing, food and to honor the spirit of the local iconic landmark.

The event, held every other summer, benefited Pasadena Heritage and its work to maintain Pasadena’s historic homes and structures.

“I can’t believe we didn’t know about this party,” said Monrovia resident Mary Lopez-Arredondo of Monrovia, who arrived with her two children in tow. “My niece told me about this, and it’s so great.”

Couples and families danced to three stages of music on the bridge, with Rob Rio, the Vin Fiz Flyer Band, Dilemma, Jimbonaires, Upstream, and Mercy and the Merkettes.

Others ogled the display of vintage automobiles which featured a 1948 Porsche, a 1957 23 Window Bus, and a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.

As guests walked along the bridge, which was closed to traffic, they dined at scores of tables filled with menu items from such Pasadena vendors as Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ, Mijares Mexican Restaurant, DogHaus, Pam’s Sweet Shack and Funnel Cakes, and beers from Craftsman Brewing and Eagle Rock Brewery.

According to Pasadena Heritage, The Colorado Street Bridge has been threatened by time and seismic wear and tear numerous times in its nearly 100-year old history.

For the last 41 years, Pasadena Heritage has worked tirelessly to protect and maintain the bridge’s place in Pasadena’s history. The group developed the semi-annual party, which has become a much-anticipated community event.

Funds raised from the event support the historic preservation advocacy efforts and educational programs of the non-profit organization, which was founded in 1977 to identify, preserve and protect Pasadena’s architectural and cultural history.