While we may have gotten used to seeing it just sitting there, the Tilikum Crossing Bridge will absolutely open tomorrow (Saturday, Sept 12), and IT’S KIND OF A BIG DEAL. Whether you approve of its pedestrian- and MAX-only status or not, bridges define Portland and the addition of a new one is something to celebrate. Here are the events connected with its opening for those of you who really want to GET INTO IT:

Tilikum Crossing Grand Opening Celebration: Saturday September 12, 11 am–6 pm.
All rides on TriMet buses, MAX trains, Portland Streetcar and the Portland Aerial Tram are FREE all day long. New Orange Line will be running every 15 minutes. Plus there will be food, music, and sometimes DUNK TANKS (!!), especially at the Milwaukie, Clinton Street, and Lincoln Street stops. Check out the full list of events here.

Tilikum Village: Saturday September 12, 11 am–6 pm, Zidell Yards, 3030 SW Moody Ave
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde are hosting a Native American village at the base of Tilikum Crossing (on the South Waterfront side), including crafts, canoe carving, drumming, and traditional foods including a salmon bake!

And in the near future…

Tilikum Crossing/Sellwood Sunday Parkways: Sunday, Sept 27, 11 am-4 pm, free, route map here
One of the great things about Portland is our willingness to elbow cars out of the way for a few weekends every summer for the Sunday Parkway series—where neighborhood streets are declared “car free” and given over to cyclists and pedestrians. And you won’t want to miss the Tilikum Crossing/Sellwood Sunday Parkways, a loop that includes Sellwood and Westmoreland Park, as well as the Brooklyn neighborhood, Powell/Division, AND of course, the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. Expect music, food, and fun along the route.

Bang bang, choo-choo train, let me see you shake that thang. Wm. Steven Humphrey is the editor-in-chief of the Portland Mercury and has held the job since 2000. (So don’t get any funny ideas.)