SAULT STE. MARIE — The Soo Locks will be in the spotlight on Friday, June 27 as Sault Ste. Marie celebrates its largest icon with Engineers Day.
Every year, the Soo Locks open to the public in a unique way on Engineers Day, which celebrates both the locks’ birthday and recognizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers workers for their dedication in maintaining and operating the locks. This year marks the 170th birthday of the locks.
Visitors will be able to walk across the locks and see freighters up-close and personal, an experience that only happens for members of the public on Engineers Day.
The first Engineers Day took place in 1975 and was so popular that the Army Corps decided to keep the fun going and make it an annual event.
From when it first started as a simple walk across the locks, the day now includes much more. There will be a vendors and craft show in front of city hall, booths and games set up on Portage Avenue, a 5K race, Cloverland Electric’s Touch-a-Truck event and more.
There will also be open house events hosted by the United States Coast Guard, the Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Superior Health Systems.
“The Soo Locks are a vital part of our community’s history. Engineers Day lets us celebrate the history and ingenuity behind the Soo Locks,” said Linda Hoath, executive director of the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Over the past few years, we’ve helped grow Engineers Day into an event that involves the whole downtown. We look forward to welcoming visitors and residents alike to downtown for Engineers Day.”
Downtown Portage Avenue will close to vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Ferris Street and Osborn Boulevard for Engineers Day.
The MacArthur Lock opens to the public at 9 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27. The Poe Lock will remain closed this year.
“Visitors will not be able to cross the Poe Lock again this year, due to ongoing construction for the New Lock at the Soo project,” said Soo Project Office Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem. “Visitors will be able to cross the MacArthur Lock and tour the first floor of the historic Administration Building.”
The viewing platform and visitor center will stay open throughout the day as well.
New security measures are in effect this year. All bags being taken onto the locks are required to be a clear material, in order to make inspection easier.
All people entering the Soo Locks are subject to a security search. Weapons of any kind, drugs, pets (except service animals) and bicycles are not permitted.
Visitors should enter the Soo Locks facility at the east end, crossing the downstream gate of the MacArthur Lock, and exiting at the west end, crossing back on the upstream gate.
Vendors and craft sellers can still register to be involved in the day at no cost by contacting the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (906) 632-3366 or admin@saultstemarie.com.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Walk the Soo Locks on Engineers Day: Here’s what you need to know
Reporting by Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
