This year is the 50th year the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge has connected Michigan and Ontario, Canada--so it's clear a celebration is in order.
The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority, along with community support on both sides of the bridge, has several community events and programs planned this summer. Here's the latest roundup.
The 50th Anniversary Bridge Lighting will be at dusk on June 28, and will feature a red and white lighting scheme on the Canadian half of the bridge, and red, white and blue lighting designs on the U.S. side. Ontario viewers can see the lighting from the Roberta Bondar Pavilion, while Michigan viewers will be celebrating at the Sault Locks viewing area. A fireworks display will follow.
Of course, there will be a bridge walk, the 26th annual such walk sponsored by both Sault chambers of commerce. It's planned for June 30 and includes a bike parade, video presentation and bus tours across the bridge.
Traveling historic displays of photos and video will be displayed at various points starting May 21 in both cities, and organizations are encouraged to host them. Bridge employees also are available for educational presentations at schools and other groups. Field trips to the bridge are encouraged this spring and fall, perhaps in conjunction with entries into the children's coloring book and bridge modeling contest, which offer kids the chance to submit coloring pages and bridge models for consideration as part of a coloring book and bridge model display to be shown at the bridge offices.
Tying it all together is a new website, called Crossing Conversations. Residents and visitors on both sides of the bridge are encouraged to note their memories, stories, photos or historical information about the bridge
here. The authority will be using a 50th anniversary-design electronic Prox toll card for commuters or frequent crossers, and has released a set of five commemorative postcards. Large banners and landscape plantings adorn the bridge on both sides as well.
The official anniversary date will be Oct. 31, the date the first paying customers crossed the bridge in 1962.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Phil Becker, Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority
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