Beerfest on the Bridge

Presented by the Portland Michigan Main Street Program, Beerfest on the Bridge 2015 was held on Portland's historic Veterans Memorial Bridge in downtown Portland. Join us for the 2nd annual #BeerOnBridge on Saturday, August 13th! Built in 1890, this landmark is one of many bridges in the 'City of Two Rivers' creating an attractive and historic entrance into the main street district. This bridge is the oldest of two known surviving examples of Grotan truss bridges in Michigan, built in 1890 by the Groton Bridge and Manufacturing Co. of Groton, New York. The bridge is a rare two-span metal through truss, with two spans 100 feet in length, featuring decorative treatment at the end posts. In the 1930's it was upgraded by removing the floor planks, adding more steel bracing and putting in new planks. These modifications were completed to carry traffic from US-16 when detoured from the lower bridge. It was listed as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in April 1986 and is listed as a Michigan Historic Engineering landmark. The beerfest will play host to Michigan breweries, cideries, and wineries -- with over 50 selections to sample. General Admission: 3:00 pm, 10 taste tickets and a collectible 5oz glass -- $30 VIP Admission: 2:00 pm, 15 taste tickets and a collectible 5oz glass -- $40 Designated Driver / Non-alcohol Admission: $10. This is an age restricted event for 21 years and older. ***Please be aware that this is a grated bridge - Leave the heels at home!