Lake Havasu Celebrates The 50th Anniversary Of Purchase Of London Bridge With Sheep Herding

Saturday morning, Lake Havasu City dignitaries, London’s Lord Mayor Charles Bowman, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, and local residents celebrated the purchase of the London Bridge and capped if off with herding sheep across the Bridge.

Sheep crossing is a tradition that dates back to more than 800 years of history in the City of London. In May of this year, Mayor Mark Nexsen and long-time Havasu resident John Parrott traveled to London to accept the Freedom of City designation and are both now considered “Freemen.”

Historically, only freemen were allowed to enter the city on the London Bridge with tools of their trade, including sheep and livestock, without paying a toll. Today, those designated as freemen are able to exercise one of the major privileges of their position and herd sheep over the London Bridge.

Robert P. McCulloch’s grandson, Michael McCulloch was on hand for the celebration and local baker Kendra Fox-Baltins created a cake for the event.

Here is a photo gallery of the event.

Mayor-elect Cal Sheehy and Councilman Gordon Groat walk with the Lord Mayor down the London Bridge stairs. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Mayor-elect Cal Sheehy and Councilman Gordon Groat walk with the Lord Mayor down the London Bridge stairs. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Mayor-elect Cal Sheehy, Mayor Mark Nexsen, Tom Flatley, Governor Doug Ducey, Lord Mayor and Councilman Gordon Groat pose for a photo before the ceremony under the London Bridge.

Governor Doug Ducey and the Lord Mayor shake hands when meeting with Mayor Mark Nexsen Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Senator Sonny Borrelli, Governor Doug Ducey, Lord Mayor of London, and Michael McCulloch stand on stage during the ceremony under the London Bridge. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Lord Mayor of London and Michael McCulloch stand on stage during the London Bridge ceremony. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

A ceremony is held under the London Bridge Saturday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The original hot air balloon that was on hand for the London Bridge Days ceremony in the 70s is now owned by local pilot Dean Baker and is at the 50th Anniversary celebration. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene