On the last Sunday of June, Rivertownes hosts Riverfest to commemorate the 1863 burning of the covered bridge that spanned the Susquehanna River. Attendees are invited to spend the evening along the banks of the Susquehanna River enjoying food, live music, reenactments, and more. The annual outdoor event takes place on the lawn at John Wright Restaurant, 234 N. Front St., Wrightsville. All donations support Rivertownes PA USA's efforts to preserve the heritage of Columbia, Wrightsville, and Marietta. The bridge was burned to prevent the Confederate soldiers from crossing the river and moving toward Harrisburg or Philadelphia. With the crossing halted, the Confederate forces turned toward Gettysburg. That important battle was fought just days later. At dusk, three braziers atop the covered bridge piers will be lit to remember the burning of the bridge. 

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