GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — Hundreds of community members made their way out to the 3rd Street bridge in Grand Haven Monday morning for the city's annual Labor Day bridge walk.
Starting from the bridge and ending at the Grand Trunk Depot, the walk is a smaller, local version of the traditional Mackinac Bridge walk, which draws thousands to the Mighty Mac each Labor Day.
Grand Haven resident Donna Timmer was at the walk Monday morning and said this isn't her first time participating. She said she prefers staying home and off the roads during Labor Day—and that the walk is a time to chat and connect with neighbors.
"I think it's a great community builder," she said. "It just helps keep the community together. Makes our small town just be more inviting and comfortable."
The City of Grand Haven has held the bridge walk for about 20 years. At the start of the walk, city officials hand out raffle tickets and give away prizes once participants have finished.
"I think it's a lot of fun for us to put this event on because we see a lot of local participants after a really busy summer season," said City Manager Ashley Latsch. "It's nice to be able to do something for the residents locally."
Latsch said the scenic bridge walk highlights the best of Grand Haven.
"As you follow the channel, you can't help but just always be just amazed at the natural beauty of the Grand Haven channel," she said. "And we're celebrating 40 years of our Grand Haven boardwalk this year, so it's extra special to walk by and see the work that's being done out there."