It's the day we've all been waiting for.  The Opening Day Ceremonies will take place, even though the bridge won't be open to traffic for a few days.  Rain is predicted today and we arrived at the site of the ceremony prepared to get drenched. The ceremony will take place on the Vallejo side of the bridge and buses have begun bringing the public from parking sites in Vallejo and Crockett.  Our cool "Builder's Pass" gets us admitted early and Kayla and Mrs. Allison wait by the podium while Lanaudia and Breyana wait with the band.

As always, click on the thumbnails to see the larger pictures.

It's 10:30 AM, the bridge waits and the chain is waiting to be cut.

The Hogan High marching band is waiting to lead the parade.

Breyana, who is "H" for the day, waits along the sidelines.

As does Lanaudia, who plays a mean trumpet for the band.

Here's Bartman! Our friend, Bart has official duties, but we know he's enjoying this day!

The crowd gathers behind the gates, waiting for 2 hours until the ceremony begins

Dick Zampa, Al Zampa's son, waits and greets the crowd of ironworkers standing at the front.

Waiting at the front of the crowd are the ironworkers.  They were all proud that this bridge was being named after one of their own.

We thought the ironworkers' jackets were great, but no one wanted to give their's up.

This was a cool logo.

Finally, the guests and officials arrive with Governor Gray Davis and Congressman George Miller to address the crowd.

"What a wonderful bridge you've built!" were fitting first words to address the crowd of ironworkers.

The speeches are cut short when it starts to rain and the iron chain link is cut with a torch.

The chain is cut by Dick Zampa, Jr., Al's grandson.  He's here with the hard hat talking to Governor Davis.

The rain stops, the band plays on and we all are off to take our first walk across the new bridge.

Ironworkers carry banners....

....and lots of photos are being taken.

Kayla mugs for her picture as she takes a break from the camera.

Despite the dark clouds, there is no rain while people are walking.

Some people enjoy looking at the bridge from the new Vallejo viewing area. You can see the color and detail of the railing in this shot.

Walkers get to take a closer look at three bridges.

We rejoin Lanaudia and Breyana in Crockett and begin our walk back across together.

We meet some Hogan friends along the way.

...and leave our mark on the bridge we've been watching grow for the past 3 years.

After our return across the bridge, we were guests of Gene Pedrotti and Ace Hardware on a tour boat that sailed out onto the straits to watch the celebration fireworks.  What a fabulous show!!!! and a great way to end a long, but happy day of celebration.  Hats off to everyone who contributed to our new bridge!