PHOTOS: Parade Braves Snow to Celebrate Newton-Needham Bridge Reopening

NEWTON, MA – "Never has a short bridge meant so much."

That was the theme Saturday morning as residents and businesses from Newton and Needham braved the snow to celebrate the reopening of Cook's Bridge.

The historic stone arched bridge, which connects Elliot Street and Central Avenue, closed for repairs in July. Originally built in the 19th century, some of the stones had shifted and cracked over the years and made it unsafe for heavy loads. Fire trucks and buses both often use the bridge, which put a strain on the infrastructure prior to improvements.

Saturday's parade was organized by local businesses, residents and the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber.

Photo 1: Newton Upper Falls resident Jerry Reilly was the grand marshal at the celebratory parade featuring giant puppets, an antique fire truck and elected leaders from both communities to mark the reopening of the Elliot Street/Central Ave bridge connecting Newton and Needham. The bridge had been closed for repairs since July. Photo by Alison Borrelli

Photo 2: Needham Selectmen Moe Handel, Dan Matthews and Matt Borrelli wave to the crowd as they celebrated the reopening of the Central Ave. Bridge, which had been closed for repairs since July. Photo by Alison Borrelli

Photo 3: Needham’s girls hockey team joined Santa at the parade celebrating the reopening of the Elliot Street/Central Ave. bridge. Photo by Alison Borrelli

Photo 4: Plugged in Band perfomed “Dirty Water” while crossing the Elliot Street/Central Ave. bridge on the back of a flatbed truck. Photo by Alison Borrelli