Photo: Faina Gurevich / iStock / Getty Images
The Rip Van Winkle Bridge will celebrate its 90th anniversary tomorrow, with festivities planned as part of the Skywalk Arts Festival in Catskill The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on State Route 23, featuring a motorcade of vintage vehicles crossing the bridge, highlighting its historic significance.
Constructed in 1935, the Rip Van Winkle Bridge connects Greene and Columbia counties, serving as a vital link between the Catskill Mountains and the Upper Hudson Valley. The bridge is celebrated as a treasured landmark in the region.
The Skywalk Arts Festival, now in its ninth year, honors the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the area. The festival, organized by Historic Bridges of the Hudson Valley, will showcase local artists, handmade goods, and offer stunning views of the Hudson River. Visitors can also participate in special programs and tours at the nearby Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Olana State Historic Site, enhancing the connection to art and history.
Artists and photographers are encouraged to exhibit works reflecting the Hudson Valley’s landscapes or bridges, with no participation fee, though space is limited. More details can be found here.