The Numbers: After Five-Year Break, Colorado Street Bridge Party Attracts More Than 3,500, Raises $80,000

Pasadena Heritage officials announced that the organization raised approximately $80,000 at its popular Colorado Street Bridge Party. The event, which returned to the iconic Pasadena structure on July 15 after a five-year hiatus, was attended by an estimated 3,500 community members, friends, and neighbors.

“We’ve all just been so excited and gratified by all the support, and it’s really fun to be doing this again,” said Sue Mossman, Pasadena Heritage Executive Director.

Attendees gathered on the bridge that Saturday night to dine, enjoy live music, dance and donate in support of preserving local architectural treasures. 

“This Bridge Party was a huge success on all fronts, and it was very well attended, and people had a really good time,” said Michael Lichtman, Development Director at Pasadena Heritage.

Lichtman added that the organization hopes to reproduce the same experience for the next event and get back on the schedule of having them every two years. 

“We are hoping to reproduce the same experience and for the next event – we hope to get back on the schedule of having them every two years,” he said.

The Colorado Street Bridge Party is a beloved tradition in Pasadena, and its return after a five-year hiatus was met with enthusiasm from the community. The funds raised will go towards preserving local architectural treasures and ensuring that future generations can enjoy them.

The Bridge Party became a biannual celebration after it premiered in 1978.  It both paid homage to the historic bridge and raised money for Pasadena Heritage’s continued preservation efforts. 

The event featured a custom car show, multiple musical stages, and mouthwatering dishes from local restaurants, among them Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ, Mijares Mexican Restaurant, and Pam’s Sweet Shack and Funnel Cakes.

Craftsman Brewing and Eagle Rock Brewery provided refreshing drinks for attendees to enjoy. 

The turnout this year may have been so large because of the years the party was dark, canceled by pandemic restrictions. 

“We had about 3,500 tickets sold, and then we gave out a lot of tickets to volunteers and vendors and the entertainment, and the bands usually bring people as well,” he said.

The Colorado Street Bridge Party has served as a significant fundraising event for Pasadena Heritage over the years. Lichtman said the $80,000 they anticipate after all expenses is significant. 

“It’s a huge amount for us, and we’re very thankful to be able to receive that much,” he added. 

Pasadena Heritage intends to continue expanding its programs and events and has a Preservation Pasadena event scheduled for the second or third week of October. The event, featuring walking tours, lectures, and other activities, aims to further promote and preserve Pasadena’s rich architectural heritage.

“We don’t want to get bunched in with the Halloween holiday because it’s not a Halloween celebration,” Lichtman said. 

Following the traditional two-year cycle for the Bridge Party, the next event would be in 2025.