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Soo Locks Engineers Day returns to Sault

Engineers Day 2022 comes back to Sault for the first time since the COVID pandemic
SooLeader Staff
20190923-Soo Locks roundtable-DT-06
A tour boat passes through Sault Michigan’s Poe Lock while Canada Steamship Line freighter Oakglen passes through the MacArthur Lock. Darren Taylor/SooToday File Photo

NEWS RELEASE
U.S. ARMY CROPS OF ENGINEERS
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Sault Ste. Marie are planning the 2022 Soo Locks Engineers Day with visitors allowed across the locks, the first since before COVID-19.

Visitors are welcome into the Soo Locks facility and across the locks from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 24. 

“Visitors are welcome to cross the gates, but the buildings will be closed,” said area engineer Kevin Sprague.

Since 1975, the Soo Locks have hosted Engineers Day in June to coincide with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' birthday, traditionally held on the third Friday in June.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie will also close a portion of Portage Avenue to focus on downtown city merchants and vendors. The Corps of Engineers, the city and the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau welcome the public and visitors.

Along with welcoming visitors into the Soo Locks complex, the Soo Locks Canal Park, viewing platform and Visitors Centre will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Downtown Portage Avenue will close to vehicle traffic and open for pedestrians and vendors from Ferris Street to Osborn Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 24.

“The Soo Locks are so important to our history and our community. This annual event helps us celebrate that,” said Linda Hoath, director of the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Last year, we closed the street and had great success; we look forward to combining the street closure with the locks being opened to the public.”

Engineers Day 2022 will bring back some traditional partner events such as The United States Coast Guard open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Craft Show at the city hall grounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the new Lake Superior State University Centre for Freshwater Research and Education will open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 24.

To register as a vendor for free on Portage Avenue, please contact the Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 906.632.3366, email [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].

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