In June of 1863, outnumbered Union troops and local volunteers in Columbia set the wooden covered bridge spanning the Susquehanna River ablaze to prevent Confederate troops from advancing east into Lancaster County. The action forced the Confederates to retreat west, and two days later, the troops met Union forces at Gettysburg. For the first time since the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2013, all 26 bridge piers that remain from that bridge will be illuminated as the grand finale of Riverfest 2026.

In prior years, Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA) was able to light three piers at a time for Riverfest, but thanks to a sponsorship from the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation, all of the piers will light up on Sunday, June 28, beginning at 7:45 p.m.

"In early 2025, we had begun to plan for this historic year and hoped to find the support to create this breathtaking experience of lighting all the bridge piers," said Sophia Vayansky, program manager for SNHA. "It's no easy task to prepare all the piers, load the wood and light them simultaneously. We are deeply grateful to the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation for their extraordinary generosity and vision. Their support allows us to honor this pivotal moment in American history at the scale it deserves."

To encourage close-up viewing of the piers, Veterans Memorial Bridge between Columbia and Wrightsville will be closed to traffic, allowing pedestrians to walk directly above the fiery blaze.

SNHA expressed thanks to Columbia Water Company and John Klinedinst for their sponsorship of the bridge entrances and safety and traffic teams on both sides of the bridge.

Festival organizers encourage the public to plan ahead and arrive early for the Sunday evening finale due to expected crowds and bridge closures.

"This is one of the most unique historic commemorations in Pennsylvania," said Hope Byers, vice president of visitor engagement for SNHA. "There are very few places in America where you can stand on a bridge at night and witness an entire line of historic bridge piers illuminated by fire across a major river. It's an emotional, powerful experience that connects people directly to the events of 1863."

John Wright Restaurant will host the Riverfest Ignite Finale on its lawn, with live music and fire performances. A Burning Bridge Bash VIP Party for 100 guests will be held in the River Room at the restaurant, overlooking the river. Columbia River Park will host the Columbia 300th Light the Night Watch Party.

The lighting of the bridge piers is just one part of the multi-day Riverfest, scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 26, 27 and 28.

The 2026 Riverfest celebration takes place during a landmark year of anniversaries: America's 250th anniversary and Columbia's 300th anniversary. To mark the moment, SNHA has expanded programming and one-of-a-kind heritage experiences that connect local stories to the larger American narrative.

The counties of Lancaster and York hold a special place in the nation's founding. The Continental Congress met in York for nine months, where it ratified the Articles of Confederation. Lancaster's economy and skilled craftspeople supplied critical materials for the Revolutionary War.

This year's expanded Riverfest schedule includes boat tours, walking tours, African American history experiences, Underground Railroad programs, live music, family activities, river recreation and America250-themed programming throughout Columbia, Wrightsville, Marietta and surrounding river communities.

Highlights of Riverfest also include the Bridge Burner Challenge Run & Paddle Race; the River Recreation Expo, featuring more than 20 vendors and demonstrations connecting people to outdoor experiences in the region; Flames Across the Susquehanna Boat Tours departing daily from SNHA's Zimmerman Center for Heritage; Underground Railroad van tours and re-enactments with the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania and Bethel AME/Living the Experience; walking tours from the Mount Bethel Cemetery, Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster and Rivertownes PA USA; and Civil War presentations and museum experiences from Historic Wrightsville Inc., Columbia Historic Preservation Society and Columbia 300 committee.

"Riverfest is possible through the dedication of SNHA, our heritage partners and our sponsors," Byers said. "The financial and creative support of Wright's Ferry Mansion, the Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation, John Wright Restaurant and the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority was critical to the amazing expansion of programming for 2026. We would also like to thank Brightspeed, CPRS Physical Therapy, WellSpan and Discover Lancaster for their support."

Most Riverfest activities require advance registration, and several experiences are expected to sell out. For tickets, schedules and event details, visit https://riverfestpa.com.