Thousands picnic on iconic Sydney bridge

SYDNEY – Thousands of people ate breakfast on the Sydney Harbor Bridge as the iconic steel span was transformed today into a grassy picnic ground.

Usually bustling with traffic, the bridge was covered by lawn laid specially for the morning event. It was attended by 6,000 lucky picnickers chosen in a ballot to enjoy food, music and the majestic view.

“It’s amazing to see the bridge in this perspective,” Sydney resident Don Fuchs said as he strolled across, taking in the Sydney Opera House.

“Usually you sit in the car, you cross it, and that’s it,” he said.

Picnickers brought hampers full of fruit and croissants, while organizers handed out freshly baked bread, jams, apples and yogurt.

A piano player played honky-tonk music while grazing cows added a rustic touch.

New South Wales state Premier Nathan Rees said the tourism promotion would likely become an annual event.