Hi-Diddily-Ho to Portland’s newest bridgerino.
The city has named a recently completed pedestrian and bicycle bridge after the “The Simpson’s” famous, god-fearing neighbor, Ned Flanders, to promote the goodwill and kindness inherent in the fictional cartoon character.
The city described Flanders as a “beloved cartoon optimist, left-hander, beleaguered friend of Homer Simpson, and avatar of neighborliness,” in an announcement on Thursday, revealing the plaque on the city’s recently completed pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
The plaque shows Ned Flanders, smiling and waving, with his catchphrase “”Hi-Diddly-ho, neighborinos!” etched in.
Portland is the home city of Simpsons creator Matt Groening, who embraced the idea of the new bridge’s name, the city said. The city has many unofficial streets and locations named after Simpsons characters.
“It’s a wonderful day for our city,” said Transportation Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. “Naming this new bridge after Ned Flanders shows that Portland can build great things and have fun too. Thank you to Matt Groening and his team for embracing this idea.”