SAULT STE. MARIE -- The Bon Soo Winter Carnival in Sault Ste. Marie is planning to weather the COVID-19 storm and move ahead with its 2021 event, while keeping public safety top of mind.
Officials say the 2021 Bon Soo Winter Carnival is still happening even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Manager Jeany White says she has been in contact with Algoma Public Health during the planning phase.
"We’re going to be following, obviously, the COVID-19 and Algoma Public Health guidelines," White said. "I’ve had a few conversations with them and we’re going to make sure we meet all of the standards to make this a safe carnival for people who come to enjoy Bon Soo, our volunteers and our staff."
She adds that all events will take into account physical distancing and will be closely monitored to ensure public health guidelines are being followed.
The Bon Soo team is also collaborating with the Sault Ste Marie Museum on an exhibit to commemorate the carnival’s long history in Sault Ste Marie.
"There’s just so much, it would be a shame to just keep it in a box locked away," White said. "The opportunity with the museum is going to allow the community and other people to enjoy what a great carnival we have, and this is our 58th year - so there’s lots of stuff."
The Sault Ste Marie Museum is hoping the community will contribute to the exhibit – by making a paper snowflake.
"Snowflakes really go along with Bon Soo, and it’s an easy thing for people to make," said Katie Huckson, outreach and programming coordinator for the museum. "We thought if people could make and submit a snowflake, that could be a way we could incorporate everyone’s individual submissions into the exhibition."
Once you have made your snowflake, Huckson said you simply put your name on it and drop it off at the Sault Ste Marie Museum on Queen Street East. Meantime, the Bon Soo Winter Carnival itself is set to begin Feb. 5 and continue until Feb. 15, which is Family Day.
