SAULT STE. MARIE — Public access to this year’s Engineers Day at the Soo Locks will be limited to Canal Park, officials announced, citing safety concerns and security protocols.
The annual event, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 27, will continue but without public access in and around active Soo Locks operations, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“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 displays and activities, including the observation platform and visitor center, will be confined to Canal Park.
The U.S. Coast Guard will participate in the event but will not hold its traditional open house due to updated security measures.
Clear bag policies will remain in place. All bags must be transparent and no larger than 12 inches long, 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Diaper bags are prohibited, though medical bags are allowed. Wallets must not have straps and must be no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.
“Clear bags will allow park security to quickly inspect bags and assist with making this a fun and safe event for everyone,” said Jason Wojnaroski, assistant operations manager at the Soo Project Office.
All attendees are subject to security screening. Firearms, knives, drugs, pets (excluding service animals), and bicycles are not allowed on site.
The Soo Locks Visitor Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The observation platform will remain accessible until 10 p.m.
Additional Engineers Day events include the Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Superior Health Systems Arts, Crafts and Family Fun Fair at City Hall grounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown festivities will extend into Saturday. On June 28, Portage Avenue will close to vehicle traffic from Ferris Street to Osborn Boulevard between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to allow for pedestrian access and vendor activities, organized by the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau.