Big turnout for Bon Soo’s opening night

Bon Soo 2024 kicks off Hundreds cheered as fireworks exploded over Sault Ste. Marie as the city's annual winter carnival 'Bon Soo' kicked off on Friday evening.

Families converged on Sault Ste. Marie’s Canal District for the grand opening of Bon Soo 2024.

The crowd cheered as fireworks exploded overhead, kicking off the Sault’s annual winter carnival.

An on-stage dance routine and musical number warmed up the crowd ahead of an appearance by Mr. Bon Soo himself. Despite the warmer-than-usual temperatures and lack of snow, organizers and City officials are happy with the turnout.

“The city is proud to be actively involved in Bon Soo once again this year,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.

“I want to thank and recognize all the hard work of everyone, from the volunteers to the city staff, to everybody who bought a button and showed up today for making Bon Soo possible.”

“It’s such a different year, and I really think that the community came out and embraced it and supported it and maybe the warmer weather was a plus, it brought more people out,” said Josh Ingram with the city’s tourism department.

“Without gauging numbers, I was on that stage in the exact same spot last year, and I can tell you it felt like almost twice as many people.”

Bon Soo runs until Feb. 10 with events and activities taking place all over the city. For more information on the event, visit its website.