Street party, fireworks bring Bon Soo to a close

Bon Soo comes to a close this weekend, but not before a little bit more fun is had.

The 2023 event wraps up on Saturday with a number of events still on the schedule, including a street party and an event-ending fireworks display.

A full release with details follows:

Sault Ste. Marie’s much-loved Bon Soo winter carnival comes to a close this weekend and you’re invited to the Commemorate Canada Downtown Street party. The event kicks off on Saturday, February 11 from 4 to 7 p.m., following them most iconic Bon Soo event, the Polar Bear Swim at the Bushplane Museum.

Join the City’s Tourism, Recreation and Culture division and the Downtown Association as it bids farewell to Mr. Bon Soo for another year. East Street to Spring Street will host a variety of outdoor street games including bocce, box hockey, street curling and more. During the street party, downtown merchants will be open late. Local heroes will be recognized for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic through Commemorate Canada. Other events include:

• The Art Hub on Spring Street and Borderline Radio will host a display of local COVID-19 Heroes with music by Michael Yurich and Damjam as it launches its podcast series honoring community leaders during the pandemic. Free coffee and cookies will be served.
• The stage by the future site of the downtown plaza will feature local magician Ryan McFarling and a musical broadcast by 705 Sound.
• The Grand Theatre hosts a performance from Blair St.John and Juliana Reagan from 4 to 7 p.m.
• Visit the Sault Ste. Marie Museum to view the unveiling of its local COVID-19 Hero display. Free hot chocolate and treats will be served.
• The Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site will offer soup, snowshoeing and free s’mores kits by its outdoor firepit.
• As the grand finale, the Bon Soo closing ceremony begins at 7:20 p.m. with a fireworks display at Bellevue Park. Parking is available at the Bellevue Marina, Bellevue Park Splash Pad and at the Bellevue Park Picnic Shelter. A great viewing area is also at the Bushplane museum along the waterfront walkway.

To accommodate Saturday’s Street party, East Street to Spring Street will be closed from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Citizens are asked to be cautious when crossing remaining streets that will be open in the downtown.