Alderman announces peace bridge party with tweet

The city might be keeping details of the celebration for the opening of the Peace Bridge under wraps — but one alderman isn't waiting for the official go-ahead.

Alderman Druh Farrell is looking forward to what she's calling a community celebration to mark the opening of the $25-million pedestrian bridge. 

The controversial span will open on March 24th — 16 months behind schedule.

To quote from the invitation ad for the opening party:  FINALLY!

Ald. Farrell says it will be a family-friendly event with music, poetry, cyclists and food trucks.

People are asked to wear red, the same colour as the bridge.

The city will provide some electricity and portable toilets for the community event but Farrell says spending will be minimal.

"If we're opening an LRT station in the community for example, we would provide this sort of celebration so community-based, inviting the neighbouring community, Calgarians who are interested to participate," says Farrell. 

"It'll be fun."

That "fun" will take place at what's now a muddy construction site at the south end of the Peace Bridge where workers are already smoothing out piles of dirt and removing fences.

Linda Crnkovic, who has watched the project for almost two years, says a celebration is a good idea and she'll be there on March 24.

"I think it's good because it needs its publicity. It's had both good and bad and at the end of the day, we'll fall in love with it."

It's not known yet if Mayor Naheed Nenshi will be at the event, but everyone is invited for the opening. 

The mayor's office said it is still trying to determine his schedule for the day.