 Welcome
to the 38th Annual Washington/Greene Counties’ Covered
Bridge Festival
Enjoy the rich heritage and expert craftsmanship
of Washington & Greene County’s Covered Bridges
during our 38th Annual Covered Bridge Festival. Held the third
weekend of September each year, it celebrates the beginning
of the county’s most beautiful season – Autumn!
This year’s festival will showcase
9 bridge sites, featuring distinct crafts, homestyle food,
and unique entertainment. Each bridge has an atmosphere of
its own that brings people back year after year.
Covered Bridge Trivia
- 210 covered bridges remain standing in the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania
- 21 covered bridges are scattered throughout the countryside
of Washington County; 7 covered bridges dot the hills of
Greene County
- The first covered bridge in the United States was built
in Philadelphia by Timothy Palmer
- The greatest period of covered bridge building activity
took place between the 1820’s to the end of the 19th
century
- A common nickname for these treasures are the “Kissin’
Bridges”, which was derived from the exploits of young
male suitors to steal a kiss from their sweethearts
- There are several wives tales as to the reason bridges
were built with a cover, including safeguarding livestock
when crossing the water or scaring off evil spirits. However,
the practical reason for covering bridges was to protect
the deck and main timbers from the environment
- Washington County covered bridges and barns took their
red color from an early paint formula. Red oxides in the
local soil were a natural insect-proofer. Even with modern
paint formula changes, the traditional red color continues
to grace our countryside.
Free Admission and Parking.
Festival hours are 10am-5pm, unless otherwise stated.
The festival is held rain or shine.
All activities are subject to change. |
