I love the city of Fort Wayne. Maybe it's because of my fond memories and associations, but I think my fondness has deeper roots. What I love about Fort Wayne is its vibrant and active sense of community. It seems like there is always something going on here- some community event that creates a buzz of energy throughout the city. The buzz is fueled and fostered by Fort Wayne's awesome local radio station, FUN 101.7. This station is hands down my favorite radio station of all time. It plays classic rock hits from artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, Styx, Kansas, Bon Jovi, Meatloaf, etc, plays top 40 lists from the 60's, 70's, and 80's, runs winnable games with awesome prizes, and does local interest pieces.
It was through an interview with Fort Wayne's mayor on 101.7 that Paul and I learned of the grand opening of the Martin Luther King Jr. bridge, a new gateway into the city's historic downtown. We decided to go check out the event, which was held at 9:00 Monday night. Why so late? This is no ordinary bridge. The design itself is inspiring- a steel frame arching up in a trellis, beautiful in its simplicity. Along each side is a pedestrian sidewalk which displays etchings of quotes by Dr. King, making the bridge a memorial in more than just name. However, the full splendor of this bridge can only be seen when the sun is down.
Paul, Phil, and I arrived downtown in just enough time to find a parking spot (no easy task, it was a well attended event,) and make our way to the gathering crowd. Led by city officials, local organization leaders, and even a member of the King family, we all processed across the bridge. A local women's choir accompanied the march with song. Once we were across the bridge, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s nephew addressed the crowd. It was a very moving speech, and by the end the sun had set and energy was high. The ribbon on the bridge was cut, and the show began. The bridge and the crowd were suddenly flooded with color and light as the bridge came alive. The crowd watched in amazement as the bridge flashed different colors, putting on an impressive light show. Loudspeakers played patriotic tunes, and people were invited to take their time re-crossing the bridge, encouraged to admire the intricacies of the design.
This was definitely an event not to miss. Community spirit, pride in their history, determination to make a bright future; these are the traits not of Fort Wayne itself, but of its citizens. These characteristics are not some lofty mission statement touted by men in high positions, but real values held by the people of the city. This is why I love Fort Wayne.
I love the city of Fort Wayne. Maybe it's because of my fond memories and associations, but I think my fondness has deeper roots. What I love about Fort Wayne is its vibrant and active sense of community. It seems like there is always something going on here- some community event that creates a buzz of energy throughout the city. The buzz is fueled and fostered by Fort Wayne's awesome local radio station, FUN 101.7. This station is hands down my favorite radio station of all time. It plays classic rock hits from artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, Styx, Kansas, Bon Jovi, Meatloaf, etc, plays top 40 lists from the 60's, 70's, and 80's, runs winnable games with awesome prizes, and does local interest pieces.
It was through an interview with Fort Wayne's mayor on 101.7 that Paul and I learned of the grand opening of the Martin Luther King Jr. bridge, a new gateway into the city's historic downtown. We decided to go check out the event, which was held at 9:00 Monday night. Why so late? This is no ordinary bridge. The design itself is inspiring- a steel frame arching up in a trellis, beautiful in its simplicity. Along each side is a pedestrian sidewalk which displays etchings of quotes by Dr. King, making the bridge a memorial in more than just name. However, the full splendor of this bridge can only be seen when the sun is down.
This was definitely an event not to miss. Community spirit, pride in their history, determination to make a bright future; these are the traits not of Fort Wayne itself, but of its citizens. These characteristics are not some lofty mission statement touted by men in high positions, but real values held by the people of the city. This is why I love Fort Wayne.
What a cool light scheme for the bridge!
ReplyDeleteCool!!!! Wanna share that radio station ;) ;) This looks like so much fun!! I'm glad you're loving it and living it up so much in Ft. Wayne :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteThanks to the help of your Mom we have been able to get signed on to respond directly to your blogs. We have really enjoyed reading them! Just think, a couple weeks ago I was totally ignorant about what costitued a "blog" and now I'm even able to respond to them!! Sounds like you would make a very good public relations person for the City of Ft. Wayne!
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