Even though Madison County is minus one of its historic bridges after last month’s arson fire, thousands of spectators are expected for this weekend’s events. Velva Cole is co-organizer of the county’s annual Covered Bridge Festival. Cole says what’s left of the Cedar Bridge is on the tour as everyone who’s heard about the fire wants to see the charred remains, and those who’ve been to the bridge before want to see it.The county’s century-old covered bridges were given world fame with the publication of the romance novel “The Bridges of Madison County” in 1992. The bridge that was torched was on the cover of the paperback version. Cole says there are still plenty of bridges to see in the Winterset area.There are five bridges left and people will be able to take bus tours to all five in addition to the charred remains of the other bridge. After the festival is over, she says a construction crew will go in and take down what’s left of the structure. Cole says several fundraisers are underway to replace the Cedar Bridge. No arrests have been made in the September 3rd fire. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday. For more information, surf to “www.madisoncounty.com”.
