More than 120,000 people packed the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve last Saturday for one of the largest Bridge Day events in West Virginia history.
Nearly 400 BASE jumpers from 39 states and four countries leapt 876 feet into the Gorge, while 300 others rappelled and high-lined below. Over 200 vendors lined the bridge, and 500 runners from 26 states took part in the Bridge Day 5K.
State officials credited local agencies and volunteers for making the event a major success despite the federal government shutdown. The park remains open under a state-funded agreement through October 31.