Since the original ribbon cutting 75 years ago, Deception Pass Bridge has undoubtedly become on of the most photographed structures in the state, right up there with the Space Needle. After all, 2 million people visit Deception Pass State Park each year, making it the most visited park in the state, according to the Washington State Park Foundation.

The Whidbey News-Times has already received many amazing and creative images of the bridge in an online photo contest in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the bridge. People have taken photos of the historic structure from all angles and in all kinds of weather. The News-Times invites everyone to take a look at the photo submissions and submit more at the website, www.whidbeynewstimes.com. For island residents, it’s a great reminder of the history and natural beauty that surrounds us.

The history of the famous span, which is actually two spans, has become a little muddled over the years. Wikipedia, for example, inaccurately perpetuates a common myth about the bridge, which is that it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. According to newspaper accounts of the time, the young workers of the CCC did help county workers build the highway approaches, but Puget Construction was the builder and Wallace Bridge and Structural Steel Company provided the steel. The News-Times plans to clear up some of the confusion with stories prior to the anniversary.

The Deception Pass Bridge will get a birthday party when it officially turns 75 on July 31. The bridge will be temporarily closed for a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon. The celebration will continue afterward at the the East Cranberry Lake area on the Whidbey Island side of Deception Pass State Park.