SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. -- SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with the event’s federal, state, and local public safety partners are changing public access for this year’s Engineers Day event on June 27.
Out of an abundance of caution, in light of uncontrollable circumstances and in order to prioritize public safety, visitor access will be limited to Canal Park. Access in and around active Soo Locks operations will not be allowed.
“We acknowledge this is disappointing and acknowledge the importance of this event to the community, which is why we coordinated closely with our public safety partners to permit the event to still take place” said Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem. “All public activities and displays will be concentrated within Canal Park which includes the observation platform to view vessels and the visitor center.”
These changes are being implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
The United States Coast Guard will be supporting and participating but will no longer be holding an open house for Engineers Day due to updated security protocols.
We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as we continue to prioritize safety for Engineers Day events.
Visitors are welcome in the Soo Locks Canal Park for Engineers Day events from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 27. Following the Engineers Day events, the viewing platform will remain open until 10 p.m., and the Soo Locks Visitor Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“We are continuing the requirement for all bags coming into the Soo Locks to be clear,” Jason Wojnaroski Soo Project Office Assistant Operations Manager said. “Clear bags will allow park security to quickly inspect bags and assist with making this a fun and safe event for everyone.”
For our visitors bringing bags, the Engineers Day policy for the Soo Locks follows:
- Clear bags cannot be larger than 12 inches long, 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
- Diaper bags are not allowed.
- Medical bags are exempt.
- Wallets must not have a strap and cannot exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.
All people entering the Soo Locks are subject to a security search. Firearms, weapons including knives of any size, drugs, pets (except service animals) and bicycles are not permitted.
The Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau is closing a portion of Portage Avenue to focus on downtown city merchants and vendors. Downtown Portage Avenue will close to vehicle traffic and open for pedestrians and vendors between Ferris Street and Osborn Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 27.
Along with allowing visitors into Soo Locks Canal Park, other events that will take place are:
- Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Superior Health Systems Arts, Crafts and Family Fun Fair at the City Hall grounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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