WANAKENA -- “Wanakena Bridge Day” will be held Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help raise funds to rebuild the community’s beloved 112-year-old footbridge that was badly damaged by an ice jam this past winter.

The focus will be on family fun and raising money to rebuild the wooden suspension bridge that was damaged in January and was further damaged during spring ice out. In late June, it was totally dismantled and removed from the water.

The bridge has been considered the heart of the community, an icon and landmark of the area, and was placed on the National Historic Register in 1999.

Both locals and summer visitors walked across the 117’ bridge daily to cross the Oswegatchie River, as the village straddles the river on both sides. Many warm memories were made over the years on the swaying, creaking bridge.

The Wanakena Historical Association has been meeting and raising money since late January and are in the process for securing grants to aid in fixing the brdige. To date, close to $35,000 has been raised. The estimated cost to rebuild is $250,000.

Those who attend are encouraged to wear clothing typical of the early 1900s. There will be a pie baking contest using “Grandma’s old recipe.” There will be historical photographs and information about the bridge. Crafters will offer demonstrations of traditional crafts and children can participate in various crafts and activities.

There will also be wooden souvenirs from the old footbridge, raffles, silent auction under the pavilion and there will be foot-long hot dogs with Michigan sauce will be available.

A barbecue and live music by “Compass Rose” will be held at 5 p.m. at the Pine Cone Grill.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Wanakena Bridge Fund.

For more information, contact Marsha at 848-2848.