Record Turnout Expected for Hands Across the Falls, Despite Road Construction Impacting the Monroe Street Bridge
Spokane, Wash. — Working with the City of Spokane, Hands Across the Falls is poised for its biggest year ever, with more than 600 people expected to attend and nearly 40 organizations taking part in the Resource Fair. The event will be held on Saturday September 28.
“The City of Spokane and the Spokane Police Department have been wonderful throughout the entire planning process,” said Lee Williams, Executive Director of Community-Minded Enterprises, the non-profit behind the event. “Even with some roadwork, attendees of the annual celebration shouldn’t be impacted much. Hands Across the Falls will be the same great event people have come to expect,” Williams added.
As in years past, Hands Across the Falls will be held on the iconic Monroe Street Bridge, but construction on the South end of the bridge means the bridge will be closed to traffic. Attendees will line the bridge on the Eastside, just like last year, but will be limited to the sidewalk. The bridge closure will mean those driving from the South or Peaceful Valley will need to take Washington Street or Maple Street.
The actual event happens at noon, but attendees are encouraged to get there by 11:30am. Hands Across the Falls will stage at the North end of the bridge at Summit Parkway between Monroe and Post, which will be blocked off for all the festivities. New this year, balloon animals as well as face painting for the kids. CMTV14 photographers will be on hand to document the event and video tape testimonials.
Recovery Café Spokane, the host of the event, created Hands Across the Falls three years ago as a public show of support celebrating recovery and it has grown every year since. “It is exciting to see so many people take part,” said Christine McMackin, Manager of Recovery Café Spokane. “Everyone is smiling, there is lots of laughter as people from all walks of life celebrate their freedom from drug and alcohol addiction,” added McMackin.
The highlight of the event is when everyone lines the bridge and hold hands observing a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives to addiction. “It really is very powerful and Community-Minded Enterprises is honored to bring it to Spokane,” said Williams.
The first 600 people to line the bridge will receive a commemorative medal. A Resource Fair will follow where Hands Across the Falls t-shirts will be available for purchase.
This event would not be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors: Amerigroup lead sponsor, Molina Healthcare, Empire Health Foundation, Community Health Plan of Washington and the Spokane Police Department.
About Recovery Café Spokane
Recovery Café Spokane is a project of the Spokane based non-profit Community-Minded Enterprises.
It was founded in February 2017 with a mission to serve people in recovery. Programs are designed to help people maintain their recovery, reduce relapses, fulfill their potential and reclaim their lives.
Contact Recovery Café Spokane at (509) 960-8529 or recoverycafe@community-minded.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RecoveryCafeSpokane/.
###
