LAKE LURE, N.C. — The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge wants to clear up confusion about its 30 gardens including its Rainbow Bridge which honors pets who've passed away.
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge sustained much structural damage as a result of Helene. The west-end gardens are entirely gone, and the Rocky Broad River flows through this area. The newly built education center, informational kiosk, and atrium are still standing. Much of the damage can be found on the east end of the gardens. The Rainbow Bridge and the thousands of collars and tags of beloved pets are gone.
Have hundreds of collars been found?
False: No, hundreds of pet collars have not been recovered. Marketing coordinator Linda Reandeau responded, "We are not sure where the claim that hundreds of pet collars have been recovered originated. Based on the location of the Rainbow Bridge, it is impossible that it survived due to its closeness to the Rocky Broad River. We mourn its loss as we know all the pet owners who lovingly placed collars on the Rainbow Bridge do as well."
Has the Rainbow Bridge been rebuilt?
False: No, the Rainbow Bridge has not been rebuilt. Becky Melton. Lake Lure Flowering Bridge volunteer, said, "No, unfortunately, it is not true that the Rainbow Bridge, or any part of the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge has been rebuilt."
Are fundraising efforts to rebuild the bridge underway?
False: No, the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is not organizing fundraisers to rebuild. The group's Facebook page states: "We have become aware that there are many so-called fundraisers for rebuilding both the Flowering Bridge and the Rainbow Bridge. Additionally, we have also seen some new Facebook sites that have popped up looking like they are from the Flowering Bridge, including some for the Rainbow Bridge. These are not authorized by the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Board of Directors and could possibly be scams. The only way to donate to the Flowering Bridge is through our website."
When could the bridge be rebuilt?
It's unclear when the gardens could be rebuilt. Melton said, "We all hope to rebuild someday, but at this time, we do not know what is ahead for us as we are focused on making sure our community and citizens are safe."