Two major local celebrations of defeating addiction and living in recovery have moved later into September this year.
In previous years, Hands Across the Bridge and Oxfest were both held on Labor Day, the first Monday in September — kicking off what’s been declared National Recovery Month. Hands Across the Bridge was started a dozen years ago by Patty Katz and Louise Wedge, who managed that first time to gather about 200 people together to form a human chain across the I-5 bridge. Over the years the event has grown tremendously, with more than 3,000 people joining hands in 2013.
After the bridge ceremony, participants traditionally descend on Esther Short Park for Oxfest, a daylong celebration of recovery filled with family fun including music and food. Oxfest is sponsored by the clean-and-sober Oxford House organization in both Washington and Oregon.
Hands Across the Bridge and Oxfest are still hand-in-hand this year, but the date has changed. The double event is now set to begin with Hands Across the Bridge at noon Sunday, Sept. 14; the Oxfest will get going at 1:30 p.m. and continue until dark.
For more information call Katz at 360-903-4645 or visit www.handsacrossthebridge.org.
