Squirrel bridge above Olympia Way reopens amid fanfare

LONGVIEW, Wash. – The only thing missing was the marching band.

Speeches, prayer, cheerleaders, a ribbon cutting and a release of doves heralded Monday afternoon’s reopening of the Nutty Narrows Bridge for squirrels at its new location above Olympia Way less than a month after the city landmark was taken down for cleaning and repairs.

The Longview Sandbaggers Club, known for elaborate jokes and trademark red-and-white striped jackets and umbrellas, put on the 15-minute tongue-in-cheek ceremony at Olympia Way and 18th Avenue before reconvening at the Monticello Hotel for cake and squirrel-themed cocktails. About 40 people watched as the Longview Parks Department attached the bridge to stout trees on opposite sides of Olympia Way using a cherry picker.

“I have been asked to bless a lot of weird things in my life, and this is at the top of my list,” said the Rev. Richard Green of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Longview.

Longview Mayor Kurt Anagnostou said the bridge was built in 1963 by local builder Amos Peters, who “saw the carnage and destruction of our furry friends” and wanted to provide them safe passage above the busy street.

“San Francisco has its streetcars, Seattle has the Space Needle, but we in Longview have the only squirrel bridge, and it’s world-renowned,” Anagnostou told the crowd.