A project several years in the making will illuminate the R.M. Ruthven Bridge over the White River Wednesday evening. The Light the Cotter Bridge festivities kick off at 5:30 at Big Spring Park, with the countdown to the relighting at 6.
Cotter Mayor McGeorge “Mac” Caradine says over the past three years the community has been working with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and a Branson lighting and production company to bring the project to fruition.
Mayor Caradine says the city has a long history with the bridge and lights.
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While lighting has adorned the R.M. Ruthven Bridge in the past, Mayor Caradine says the new version is unlike anything previously done.
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The different options in lighting will be demonstrated during the big reveal portion of the festivities Wednesday evening at 5:30. The
relighting celebration will include music and refreshments, plus attendees may take a cheerful stroll through the city’s park all dressed up for the holidays.
Mayor Caradine says the opening ceremonies will include a recognition of legacy donors Jan and Peter Peitz. He says the couple is among numerous donors to the relighting project, an effort that began about 10 years ago with City of Cotter fundraisers. It was the Cotter-Gassville Chamber of Commerce taking the helm resulting in over $200,000 eventually being secured in funds and pledges.
A recognition wall is planned to be built in the Cotter Big Spring Park early next year to recognize contributors.
Wednesday evening is just the beginning, as the lights will remain on throughout the year.
Caradine says efforts are underway to develop the project into one that individuals, businesses, or corporations will be able to participate in by renting the bridge lights for special occasions in the colors of their choice for special occasions. A website is under development by the chamber to promote this opportunity.
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