CONCORD, NH — In honor of the Golden Anniversary of what’s known as “The People’s House,” Governor Chris Sununu and First Lady Valerie Sununu will host a backyard bash 50 years in the making. The First Family invites the public to join them for a special celebration of the Bridges House, featuring an outdoor concert, food and special tributes to Bridges House on August 25.
The stately but humble brick home on Concord’s east side was donated in 1969 by the family of former Senator and Governor Styles Bridges.
“The Bridges family donated this home to the state of New Hampshire with the goal that it would be protected and preserved, but that it would also be used by Governors, state leaders and the public,” explains First Lady Sununu, who chairs Friends of Bridges House, the non-profit board which oversees all efforts to maintain the property.
“My predecessors, in particular, former First Lady Susan Lynch and Governor John Lynch, have worked tirelessly to restore, renovate and preserve the Bridges House,” says Governor Chris Sununu. “I am honored to invite the public to join me and other first families to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this incredible property.”
On August 25, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., the Governor and First Lady will host an outdoor concert featuring nationally known and popular Eagles tribute band, Another Tequila Sunrise. There will be food trucks on site, refreshments and an afternoon designed with families in mind. Children under 15 are admitted free of charge. Single tickets are $30 dollars, and you can buy two for $50 dollars, which admits you to the concert and to see the Bridges House and the grounds. Click here information about tickets and more about the event itself.
For years, Another Tequila Sunrise has been delighting sell-out crowds across the country with a catalog of music that encompasses the classics and deep cuts from the Eagles’ studio collection, as well as the biggest hits from the solo careers of Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Joe Walsh. What sets this band of local talent apart is their ability to recreate the Eagles’ LIVE experience, which is the goal for this event: unparalleled fun, great music and a fitting tribute to 50 years of the Bridges House, with timeless popular music and a celebration that would make the Bridges family proud.
The home is currently managed by the Governor’s office, in cooperation with a volunteer board of directors which oversees management of The Bridges House. It has enjoyed a revival of sorts following the renovation efforts led by former First Lady Susan Lynch. The home had fallen into disrepair in the 90’s, but with private donations, The Bridges House has been resurrected.
We wish to thank the many donors who are helping to make this celebration event possible: Dick Anagnost, AutoFair Automotive Group, Dartmouth Hitchcock Health, Eversource, Pat Griffin, Paul Holloway, Susan and John Lynch, NE Delta Dental, and Steve Duprey. 100% of Membership fees and all private donations are used for property upkeep, improvements, and most importantly, education and outreach.
About Bridges House
A historically and architecturally significant home built in 1835, The Bridges House is located in East Concord, New Hampshire. The house is listed on both the New Hampshire and the National Register of Historic Places. The Bridges House serves as the setting for many official state functions held by the Governor. Conferences are held here with legislators, civic and business leaders, and visiting dignitaries from around the nation and the world. The public is welcomed to the house for events such as holiday tree lightings, concerts and tours as well as backyard summertime outings.
Senator Bridges wanted this home to be a functioning part of our state and government. His belief was a reflection of his own personality, since he was the epitome of grassroots connections; he was an accessible and amiable person, whose door was always open. We invite you to be a part of this endeavor, to help preserve and celebrate history, while ensuring The Bridges House remains alive with new events, new visitors, and new stories. Your support and participation are crucial for keeping The Bridges House, the —”People’s House”— for all of New Hampshire’s residents to experience and enjoy.