(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the August 2024 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
The city of Rio Hondo is known for its lift bridge over Arroyo Colorado, which connects Rio Hondo to the rest of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). On September 26, 2016, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT) closed the only lift bridge in Texas built between 1945 and 1960 that is still in operation for a $12 million retrofit project.
While the bridge was closed for the TxDoT project, Rio Hondo and its businesses suffered a significant drop in sales and traffic. Things became worse when the reopening of the bridge was delayed by seven months. To encourage economic growth for the businesses that suffered during the two-year bridge closure, the city of Rio Hondo brought back its annual festival, Bridgefest, on July 13, 2019, one year after the reopening of the bridge.
During Bridgefest, the bridge is temporarily closed so that event organizers can set up stages and seating, and various vendors can set up their booths. (The vendor fee is $100 for a 12x12 space.) The celebration in 2019 included a classic car parade, food vendors, kiddie rides, 5K run, music, entertainment, fireworks, and more. Each year, a volunteer committee decides on the fest activities. Therefore, the lineup varies slightly from year to year, but consistently provides a family-friendly event for Rio Hondo residents and visitors.
The Bridgefest in 2020 was canceled because of the pandemic but returned for its 3rd annual event on August 14, 2021. Approximately 4,000 people attended the event in 2023.
This year’s Bridgefest will be held on Saturday, August 17, from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Musical acts are Rio Hondo country musician and American Idol contestant Brody Rivers, Tejano band Regresso, and Code 3, a classic rock band. For parties of eight people who want to sit near the bands, VIP tables cost $100. Call Rio Hondo City Hall at (956) 748- 0220 for more information.
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