BRADENTON BEACH – The 2024 hurricanes may have taken the animatronic figures, the bubble machine and the hearse that the Bridge Tender Inn was known for at Halloween, but the party will still go on this year.
“The animatronics were destroyed in the storms, and we haven’t had the funds or time to replace them. The priority was fixing the building,” said manager Sue Shinka, adding, “It took us 15 years to get all the animatronics.”
The Bridge Street alley on the west side of the Bridge Tender is decorated with skeletons, and, as in years past, there will be a kids’ costume contest, a dog costume contest and an adult costume contest, all with cash prizes.
“We’re still doing Halloween, but it’s going to be a little more low-key,” Shinka said.
The Bridge Tender Inn party on Friday, Oct. 31 at 135 Bridge St. features Brigid’s Cross playing music at 2 p.m., a kids’ costume contest at 5 p.m., a dog costume contest at 5:30 p.m., Justin Rector playing music at 6 p.m. and an adult costume contest at 10 p.m.
