Community Events

Soo Locks Engineer's Day

Enjoying a day at Engineer's Day

engineersday07-2A Michigan landmark will open its doors to the public, when the Soo Locks hosts its annual open house, known as Soo Locks Engineer's Day, on Friday, June 24, 2011.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites people of all ages to come and explore the Soo Locks complex and avail themselves of the rare opportunity to walk across the Lock walls. These walls make it possible for freighters to traverse the 21-foot drop between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. To obtain a real understanding of how this engineering marvel works, only a visit will do.

Engineer’s Day festivities are held from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and the gates are open to allow visitors across the Locks and into other facilities, like the Davis Building and the Administration Building. Both are historically-important structures used solely for the work of one of the world’s busiest Lock systems.

Visitors are welcome to stroll the park, tour the Open House at the Hydroelectric Power Plant and LSSU Aquatics Lab, and climb observation platforms as mammoth freighters ply the waters of the St. Marys River system.

The Soo Locks Visitors Center will also have many new displays on hand as the Army Corp of Engineers and the Soo Locks Visitors Association (SLVA), have been busy with many updates and new displays.

Photo Gallery: Engineer's Day

Veterans Motorcycle Rally

Veterans Rally begins July 7th-10th, 2011

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www.vetsrally.alr3.com

bike rallyThe 8th Annual Veterans Motorcycle Rally will take place in Brady Park, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Open for everyone to enjoy. All proceeds will go to support Veterans. There will be Vendors, 50/50 Raffles, a Parade of Bikes through Downtown, Food & Beverage Tent, Live Entertainment, Fox Hole Runs and Tours, Blessing of the Bikes and Veterans, Motorcycle Rodeo, New and Exciting Games, Contests & Prizes, Pins, Patches, Shirts and Hats taking place all weekend. Also, there will be a Harley Davidson Raffle and so much more.

Photo Gallery: Veterans Motorcycle Rally

International Bridgewalk

On Top of the World at the International Bridge Walk

BRIDGEWALKOn June 25, 2011 you may walk one of the most picturesque 2.8 mile walks and say to your family:

“Look, we’re walking high above the Soo Locks canals.”

“Wait! Here comes a freighter beneath the bridge.”

“Wow, look at Algoma Steel and St. Mary’s Paper.”

“Check out the anglers wading into the rapids.”

Young and old, physically fit or fitness challenged, all enjoy the fantastic views and the resultant pictures that will last a lifetime. Best of all, there’s no admission fee, no long waits, and no sweltering heat to contend with, since the walk steps off at 9am.

“There are so many reasons that this is a unique walk, but the highlight is definitely seeing the Soo Locks complex from a distinctly aerial vantage point. Visitors who have walked other bridges tell us ours is one-of-a-kind.”

It is a festive atmosphere that accompanies the event’s start and completion. Walkers gather at the Lake Superior State University Norris Center to await the official start of the walk. As they gather, they are treated to free musical performances and can purchase a light snack or beverage to sustain them through the walk. As walkers enter Ontario, they are greeted with more singing, as well as a certificate of completion.

This year marks the 25th Annual International Bridge Walk and, in celebration of this milestone, participants are encouraged to dress patriotically for the chance at prizes. Whether you are adorned with a giant maple leaf or stars and stripes, you are sure to catch the eye of the judges, since this is truly an international event.

Sponsored by the International Bridge Authority and the Chamber of Commerce from both cities, organizers remind walkers to bring a passport or other approved I.D. found at the Soo Area Info, International Bridge Customs section of this site. (PLEASE, contact the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce for more details at 906-632-3301). Bus transportation is available to bring walkers from Ontario to the starting point or, afterward, return those with vehicles waiting to the Norris Center for a small fee of $2. Visitors will find plenty to do back on the Michigan side, with a full offering of museums, boat tours, beaches, parks and more open to the public. For more information please e-mail the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (906) 632-3301.

Photo Gallery: Bridgewalk

I-500 Snowmobile Race

43rd Annual International 500 Snowmobile Race February 2011

If you enjoy Nascar you will love the I-500 Snowmobile Race "Nascar on Ice"

Come Join us for the 43rd Annual International I-500 Snowmobile Race and Experience all the thrills of NASCAR on a one-mile ice oval track. The I-500 is the largest event both in the Upper Peninsula and in the entire snowmobile-racing world. No Hans devices. No padding. Just 100% raw courage!!!
When drivers accelerate to speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on the straight-aways, your heart will race even faster.

Mark your calendar for the weekend of February 5, 2011 and get ready for the thrill of a lifetime.

History:

The I-500 is a 100% volunteer organization. We are always looking for more volunteers. Racing rules are not part of the race committee. The track was actually set on an old creek bed of gravel and clay. The site was originally developed in World War II as an ammunition dump. The track was built in less than six months purely by volunteer help. The first year, the race was so slow that spectators could actually walk across the track between machines.

It takes 3 weeks and 1,800,000 gallons of water to make the track. Water is transported from a hydrant in the pit area via the use of three 8,000 gallon tankers and many trips around the track.

You can visit the website for updates or any further questions at www.I-500.com.

Photo Gallery: I-500

4th of July Parade

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The 2011 Parade will be held on Monday, July 4, 2011. Line-up will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the parade starting at 8:00 p.m.

The 2011 parade route will begin at the intersection of Easterday Avenue and Seymour. The parade will travel west on Easterday to Ashmun Street. North on Ashmun to Portage Avenue. West on Portage to Ridge Street.

Parade Participants:

Please complete and return the Parade Registration form. Line-up for the parade will be at the city garage property on the corner of Easterday and Seymour. Volunteers will be available to direct traffic for ease of entrance and exit. Please follow directions given by volunteers.

Registration forms may be returned to the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce. You may mail the form to 2581 I-75 Business Spur, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or fax it to (906) 632-2331.

You may contact the Chamber with any questions (906) 632-3301.

Photo Gallery: 4th of July Parade

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