Late-Summer Picnic To Celebrate Iconic Simsbury Landmark's Rebirth

SIMSBURY, CT — The local community is invited to one last, late-summer celebration at one of Simsbury's most picturesque spots.

The Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge Committee is hosting its 11th annual 'Burgers on the Bridge' on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Simsbury’s iconic Flower Bridge spans the Farmington River and is a beloved hotspot for hikers, walkers, and bicyclists.

The rain date is Thursday, Sept. 11, at the same time, but the weather forecast is looking pretty optimistic.

Folks must use only Cash or checks to purchase tickets.

Guests can come enjoy hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs grilled by Fitzgeralds, along with chips, soda, water, delicious desserts, beer donated by City Steam, and wine donated by Allan S. Goodman.

Pure Love gluten-free rolls are available upon request.

Guests can bring a chair or blanket and gather their family and friends for fun and food while "viewing the beautiful flowers (the color palette of artist Georgia O’Keeffe), listening to music, and enjoying the flowing Farmington River."

Visitors can watch Simsbury artists Catherine Elliott, Deborah Leonard, and Lori Racicot-Burrous paint during the event.

Parking is available in the Iron Horse Commuter Lots.

"We hope you can come enjoy this picnic to celebrate the reopening of the Flower Bridge," wrote the committee. "See you on the Bridge."

The bridge was constructed in 1892, and the span was originally a one-lane bridge for vehicular traffic for more than 100 years before being converted to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in 1995.

A year later, in 1996, inspired by the “Bridge of Flowers” in Shelburne Falls, Mass., local groups began to establish community gardens on and around the bridge.

In October 2023, the bridge was closed to the public so workers could give it a much-needed renovation to improve both aesthetics and safety.

The bridge reopened just this past June after the extensive refurbishment.

From June 17: 'Iconic Simsbury Landmark To Be Reborn On Wednesday'