The Rainbow Bridge is a prose piece that has become a cherished sentiment to those who have lost their pets. It tells a heart-warming story of what happens to our trusted companions when they pass on. Many don’t know it, but it was written by a 19 year-old Scottish girl, Edna Clyne, who was grieving the loss of her dog, Major. The year was 1959. The piece would be shared across the British Isles, and in time it had jumped the big pond – and was shared in America. In 1994, it was published by Dear Abby and was read by her audience of millions. As a result of this publicity, “Crossing the Rainbow Bridge” has become synonymous with the loss of a pet.
In Lake Lure, North Carolina a real life Rainbow Bridge was constructed by artist, Amy Wald in 2022. It was a physical representation of the prose piece, and the artist constructed it in the memory of her own pet. Soon pet owners from across North Carolina, and then across the country were visiting this bridge and were leaving their deceased pet collars as memorials to their furry friends. Literally, the railings were a rainbow of colors of dog collars, dog tags, and dog harnesses. Over 16,000 visited Lake Lure’s Rainbow Bridge last year with many coming from states all across the country.
Greenfield resident, Dawn Hanson, made the trip to Lake Lure within the past year to leaver her dog, Baker’s collar, on Lake Lure’s bridge. This experience inspired her to see if Greenfield could build its own Rainbow Bridge – and become the second one in the US. Dawn approached the Greenfield Parks Department who agreed to build the bridge, but funding for the supplies and a mural would need to be raised. Earlier this year, Dawn and members of the Greenfield Parks Department approached Hancock County Tourism for grant support – and as this project was seen as a tourist attraction – Tourism gladly supported the project and fully funded the bridge construction.
Greenfield’s “Baker’s Rainbow Bridge” was built near Rover’s Run, a 2 acre dog park, located inside Beckenholdt Park, 2770 N. Franklin St., Greenfield, IN. The bridge will be dedicated Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 2pm. The ceremony will celebrate a 3 month long fundraising campaign that collected monies to build the bridge and the accompanying mural. Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department provided the space and the construction labor. It was completed on September 20th, 2024. The finishing touches of a mural by artist Lisa Sears, and more have been provided by volunteers and those closest to the project. The bridge is handicap accessible.
It should be noted that during this ceremony the Lake Lure Rainbow Bridge will be memorialized. Recently, Hurricane Helene devastated parts of North Carolina, and unfortunately flood waters washed away Lake Lure’s Rainbow Bridge in its entirety. For them and for their pet’s memory, a moment of silence will be observed at the dedication.
In conjunction with the Rainbow Bridge dedication, Greenfield Parks Department will hold their Rovers Howl-o-Ween event from 2pm to 4pm on the same day at Beckenholdt Park. There will be a vendor area full of pet-related businesses and organizations for visitors and their pets to peruse. There will also be a pet costume contest with awards for best costumed small, medium, and large breed dogs.
Consider a visit to the dedication ceremony of this great new piece in Greenfield. There is no cost to attend or to memorialize your pet by leaving his or her collar. It is hoped that like Lake Lure’s Rainbow Bridge, this will provide some comfort for pet owners across Indiana and across the country. Even if you cannot make it to the dedication, Greenfield’s Rainbow Bridge will be a lasting memorial to all our furry friends who have crossed into heaven.
Brigette Cook Jones
Executive Director
Hancock County Tourism
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Hancock County Tourism and Visitor Center is the official destination marketing organization for Hancock County, Indiana. Our mission is to bring regional, national, and international business and leisure visitors to Hancock County for the economic benefit of the county and our tourism partners. Hancock County Tourism and Visitor Center strives to be a leader in destination marketing and tourism development.
- To encourage visitors to discover the historic, cultural, and recreational opportunities as well as hotels, restaurants, and retail options throughout Hancock County via marketing promotion and partner support.
- To encourage groups, businesses, and organizations to hold meetings, conventions, events, and festivals in Hancock County by collaborating with both in county and out-of-county groups, businesses, and organizations.
- To assist groups with development of new tourism opportunities through support, resources, and professional assistance.
The Hancock County Tourism and Visitor Center does not primarily organize meetings, conventions, sporting, and special events, but guides planners, and visitors to resources, attractions and services that result in a positive experience.
To stay up to date on everything “touristy” in Hancock County, be sure you are receiving Hancock County Tourism’s e-newsletter. You can register on the website at https://visitinhancock.org/email/