EYE ON SB
Bakowski Bridge of Lights The opening celebration for Louisiana’s first
BY DEBBIE HENRY
programmable LED lit bridge, the “Bakowski Bridge of Lights,” located on the Texas Street/LongAllen Bridge was the BRIGHTEST event ever produced in the State of Louisiana. Dr. George and Sandra Bakowski donated $1 million for the LED lights and the Red River Waterway Commission matched the $1 million grant to install the lights. On 2-22-22 an amazing light show produced by Broadway Lighting Designer Jason Lyons and Academy Award-winning Director William (Bill) Joyce debuted. A special recognition was given to 250 students from Caddo Parish Schools, Southern University Shreveport, Bossier Parish Community College and the VOA Afterschool Lighthouse Program who report to Sci-Port Discovery Center each month to learn the STEAM skills required to design and program the light shows. These educational programs are made possible by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Powers Foundation, Community Foundation of North Louisiana, Louisiana Division of the Arts and the City of Shreveport. Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins and Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler dedicated the bridge to the twin cities and recognized the sponsors and partners making all of this possible with special recognition to the Louisiana Public Service Commission, Downtown Development Authority, Will Atkins, and the Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau. The celebration continued with bright futures and bright lights with at least 22 couples getting married or renewing their vows on this especially bright and special day. 1. Dr. George and Sandra Bakowski with son, Robert Bakowski 2. Jeffrey and Sandi Kallenberg 3. Academy Award-Winning Director William Joyce with Hilary Wooley 4. Ashley Henning and Christopher Clarke were married at the Bakowski Bridge Lighting Ceremony 5. Artists Dorothy Kristin Hanna and Bruce Allen unite in marriage surrounded by friends, family, and half the city at the Bakowski Bridge Lighting Ceremony 6. Katy and Keith Larsen renewed their marriage vows on 2-22-22 at the Light It Up Ceremony on the Riverview Amphitheatre stage 1
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SBMAG.NET
| MARCH
2022
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