Bon Soo carnival nominated again for big festival award

For a second straight year, the Bon Soo Winter Carnival is making headlines in July as the popular snowy festival has been nominated again for an Ontario Choice Award by Attractions Ontario in the category of "top festival and event."

Despite warm temperatures and a lack of snowfall in February, the 61st annual carnival still sold around 8,500 buttons and tickets this year — slightly down from the 9,033 that were sold in 2023.

Only four of Bon Soo’s 145 activities were cancelled due to weather, while the opening ceremonies, Polar Bear Plunge and 19+ event programming were among the festival's highlights.

Carnival organizer and special events coordinator Josh Ingram said being nominated two years in a row is a testament to the hard work from the volunteers and the passion from the community.

“For all of those dedicated board of directors and volunteers who have put love into it, this is something we can share with those partners,” he said. “To know it’s not only acknowledged here, but it’s being acknowledged further afield is great.”

Bon Soo was first nominated for the award last year but came up short when Attractions Ontario revealed Carrousel of Nations in Windsor received the most public votes.

This year, the winter carnival is one of 12 events to receive a nomination, joining a list of other recognized names like the Toronto International Film Festival and the Canadian National Exhibition.

Bon Soo is the only nominee from northern Ontario, and one of just two winter-themed events.

“There’s a definite professionalism and a definite enhancement of the brand,” Ingram said. “But we are not done. We not only want to capitalize on that, but continue to grow Bon Soo into a premier, Sault Ste. Marie event that is a must-see, must-travel activity in February.”

Residents can submit one vote per day all summer before the winner is revealed in September.

To vote, click here.