What the bridge said...

It wasn't the bridge's birthday, as one driver of the Ducks told tourists, but the opening celebration for the Fremont Bridge sound art installation Saturday was a festive event.

Volunteers wore hip blue t-shirts-- limited edition, natch-- with images of the bridge and orange handkerchiefs, and carried signs hand-painted by Ballard artist Kristen Ramirez, who orchestrated the event and created the sound piece that made its debut. She also made the pennants that lined the bridge from swatches of bright blue, orange, and yellow cloth.

Horn players stuck their instruments out the window of the bridge towers when they played. The volunteers marched with placards emblazoned with funny and almost nonsensical sayings. It was sort of madcap merriment, like a protest organized by Willy Wonka.

If you missed it, you can hear the sound installation at every daylight opening for the next six months, or by calling 1-800-761-9941.