Bon Soo is set to kick off its 60th anniversary on Feb. 3.
The annual event runs until Feb. 11 with events and festivities planned for downtown in the Canal District, Clergue Park, and the Bay Street corner at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and the Northern Superior Tap Room.
Events planned for Bon Soo this year include snow sculptures and Snow Madness.
Passport to Unity is also back for another year.
Also on tap for the festival are the opening ceremonies fireworks, bum slides, and the polar bear dip.
There are also 15 new events planned, including the Polar Rush (an urban winter obstacle course) and a four-on-four street hockey tournament and ringette tournament.
Buttons are available to purchase at various locations throughout the city.
To see a complete event listing or to register for an event, click here.
Below is the full press release issued today by Boo Soo organizers:
HOLD ON TO YOUR TOQUES, BON SOO IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!
For 60 years, the Bon Soo Winter Carnival has been inspiring Saultites to venture out of their cozy homes and into the frigid February air to enjoy an action packed week of outdoor activity. What began as a grassroots, volunteer-led idea quickly snowballed into Northern Ontario’s largest winter festival that for generations has been wowing Northern Ontario with frozen winter magic, ice carved sculptures, and a variety of entertainment for all ages.
Coming out of hibernation just in time for the frigid February air, Mr. Bon Soo is ready and excited to get back to what he does best - making people smile! From February 3rd - 11th, 2023 festival goers can participate in carnival festivities throughout 3 Downtown Zones: The Canal District, Clergue Park and the Bay Street corner including Northern Superior Tap Room and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
The 60th Anniversary celebration presented by OLG will bring back favorites such community snow sculptures and Snow Maddess events as well as annual family favourites like the Fireworks Opening Ceremonies, Bum Slides and Polar Bear Dip. The festival is thrilled to be adding over 15 new events to the program with the introduction of Polar Rush (an urban winter obstacle course), EDM Snow Bath, 4 on 4 Street Hockey Tournament and Ringette Tournaments and the Coldest Cannuck Challenge to name a few. Fans can cheer for the Soo Greyhounds February 5th as players dawn Bon Soo themed jerseys to show their support of the festival. Jerseys will be available for online auction following the game. For festivalgoers who like to stay a little warmer, unique dining experiences will be available Passport to Unity: A global taste Infusion. For the 19+, Bon Soo Brews from both Northern Superior Brewing and a Bon Soo Maple Syrup from Hogan’s Homestead. For a complete event directory, and/or to register to participate in marquee activities visit the Bon Soo Winter Carnival website bonsoo.on.ca Marquee activities may require additional fees above the purchase of the souvenir button.
Bon Soo Winter Carnival souvenir buttons are available for purchase ($10) at the following locations:
CENTRAL
The Outfitters – 87 Huron St
Jayteq Pro Shop (John Rhodes Community Centre) – 260 Elizabeth St
Feeding your Soul Café – 96 White Oak Dr.
Circle K – 849 2nd Line E
Circle K – 1230 Wellington St E
Circle K – 381 McNabb St
The Ontario Travel Information Centre – 261 Queen St W
Scotiabank – 294 Northern Ave E
Scotia Bank – 293 Bay St
Bay St Active Living – 619 Bay St (Accepts Debit)
Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site (Accepts Debit)
NORTH
Great Lakes Outfitters – 162 Old Garden River Rd
Circle K – 3rd Line E
Hiawatha Highlands – 780 Landslide Road
EAST
Circle K – 271 Dacey Rd
Circle K – 650 Boundary Rd
WEST
Cirlce K – 655 Wellington St W
Cirle K – 647 – 2nd Line W
Northern Community Centre – 556 Goulais Ave (Accepts Debit)
WAWA
Cirlce K – 208D Mission Rd
Volunteers are the heart of the festival. If you are interested in participating as a volunteer or would like to be considered for a position on the Bon Soo Board of Directors, please complete the online registration bonsoo.on.ca/volunteer
The Bon Soo Winter Carnival would not possible without the generosity of our Presenting Sponsor the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). In celebration of the 60th anniversary, we are pleased to announce Tenaris Tubes as the Premier Sponsor. The Bon Soo Winter Carnival would also like to acknowledge Signature Sponsors The Canal District, who have provided ongoing generous support of the winter festival and Tourism Sault Ste. Marie for their financial support and assistance for the 2023 celebration. Sponsorship packages are available for community organizations who would like to get involved to help support the festival.
Stay connected with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @MrBonSoo