Sault street party offers one more summer blast

Game On Street Party, a yearly block party, took place in Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday, aiming to provide end-of-summer fun and connection to local resources.

Games, snacks and social service resources, this year’s street party brought hundreds to one area of the Sault, for a last summer bash for the kids.

“I actually like coming out, spending time with my family and spending time with my friends, too,” said nine-year-old Josephina Gagnon.

The event also had some star power, as Ottawa Senator and Sault native Michael Amadio dropped by to meet some fans and play ball hockey with a few locals.

“Any time you're able to give back to the community, it doesn't take much to come out here today, so it's pretty easy for me to do, but it's awesome to see how many people turn out," Amadio said.

"And it's nice to take a picture and sign a few autographs.”

Game On Street Party, a yearly block party, took place in Sault Ste. Marie on Thursday, aiming to provide end-of-summer fun and connection to local resources. (Photo from video)

In celebration of Social Services Awareness Day, more than 20 organizations were on hand, providing information on what services they offer to the public.

It was especially beneficial to those who are fairly new to the Sault.

“It's been really great to talk to a lot of families and explain to them how we can offer assistance," said Marla Slumskie from KidSport Sault Ste. Marie.

"It's definitely difficult to get in everyone's ears and let them know that we're available as a support system for families that want their kids in sports.”

Time of need

“We have a lot of resources, but kind of finding those resources at the time of need is difficult," added Riley Barsanti from Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services.

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“What we want is for people to know about the resources before they're in need and be familiar with the resources and the service providers and be comfortable with them.”

Sault Social Services bused kids from its hubs across the city to Thursday's street party.

The event has been growing since its first year in 2016. With $4,500 presented by local sponsors Thursday, they hope it will be even bigger next year.