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ST. IGNACE -- The annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Monday drew an estimated 35,000, the most to participate in the event in seven years, organizers said.
Near-perfect conditions of light breezes and sunshine are given some of the credit for the turnout.
"This is the largest crowd we've seen since 2016, when 45,000 people walked the bridge," Mackinac Bridge Authority Bridge Director Kim Nowack said.
The bridge, which closed at 6:30 a.m. Eastern time to all vehicle traffic for the walk, reopened promptly at noon.
The 2023 walk again started from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City ends, which eliminated the need for busing and offers additional options for participants.
The bridge walk has been an annual event since 1958, with the exception of 2020 when it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2022 walk drew 26,000 people, organizers said.