Kentucky Covered Wooden Bridge sign unveiling

State Rep. Mike Denham and Kristen Branscum, Kentucky Commissioner of Travel and Tourism, unveiled the Kentucky Covered Wooden Bridge sign in a ceremony Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Goddard United Methodist Church. Donna Fryman, chair, Fleming County Tourism, conducted the ceremony.

Rep. Mike Denham, who sponsored the legislation for establishing the trail, was honored at the ceremony. “The Kentucky Covered Wooden Bridge Trail has a great deal of promise. The trail will ensure that these historic assets are preserved and protected for generations to come,” stated Michael Denham.

Kristen Branscum stated “Kentucky’s historic covered bridges present a unique opportunity for visitors to experience our history and culture.”

Arnold Graton, noted covered bridge restorer from New Hampshire, was honored for his restoration advice on the Goddard Bridge and his restoration of Kentucky Bridges: the Cabin Creek Bridge, the Johnson Creek Bridge, and the current restoration of Beech Fork Covered Wooden Bridge in Washington County.

Larry Foxworthy, Fleming County judge executive, welcomed guests, including a large delegation of the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges from eleven states, Aaron Thompson, field representative from Governor Bevin’s office, representatives from State and U.S. Congressmen; the Honorable Stockton Wood, grandson of the noted Bower family who restored and built many covered bridges in the state; Patrick Kennedy, former member of the State Heritage Commission; Amy Kennedy, Buffalo Trace Area Development director and a special welcome to Fleming Countian Johnny Jett, who is part of the TV series Barnwood Builders. Johnny is also a talented artist and has many beautiful prints of the Goddard Covered Bridge.

Bill Caswell, national president of the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, gave congratulatory remarks to the State of Kentucky for this trail.

The Kentucky Covered Wooden Bridge Trail will highlight our 13 remaining bridges, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.