HISTORY OF THE ONTARIO WINTER CARNIVAL BON SOO

The original concept of a Sault Ste. Marie winter carnival was initiated by local businessman, Henry Bullock.  It was a perfect solution for Sault residents to alleviate the monotony of the long winter months.

The first carnival was basically a variety of "already existing" events in Ste. Marie, at that time of year. The Chamber of Commerce encouraged these events to become part of the carnival concept.  Further, it was hoped that businesses would see the carnival as an opportunity to attract tourists to Sault Ste. Marie, during a slow business period.

Once the carnival was organized, it was decided that the carnival needed a name and a logo. A local artist, Ken McDougall, was hired to create a character. His creation became the ever-popular host of the winter carnival.

A contest to name the carnival and character was held. The winner was Donald Norman, then a 10-year-old student at Parkland Public School. BON SOO (GOOD SOO) was the winning name. 

With the continual growth of the carnival, it was time to re-evalute the location of the Fantasy Kingdom  in 2007 due to the City expanding the board walk next to the Civic Centre.    From there the Tim Hortons Winter Playground was born.   The  Winter Playground encompasses all there is to do during the Winter Months and from there, the tag line "GET OUT and GET ACTIVE" was initiated.   The community could now come down for the whole 10 days  of Bon Soo and participate in Snow Shoeing, Dog Sled Rides, Wagon Rides, Ice Sliding, Soccer, Snow Canoeing and sooooo much more.   The entire playground requires approximtely 400 plus volunteers to execute.

In 2008 Bon Soo was thrilled at OLG acceptance after 18 years of being a Corporate Sponsor to move up their Sponsorship level to become Bon Soo first time "TITLE SPONSOR".

The Ontario Winter Carnival Bon Soo is Sault Ste. Marie’s Winter Celebration. Fondly, known just as "Bon Soo" to residents it has become the "5th Season" in Sault Ste. Marie, as there is a definite surge of the excitement as soon as Christmas is over. Bon Soo is a complete community-involved festival that embraces a high percentage of residents for 10 fun-filled days. There are events for all ages but many are definitely geared for families.

Mr. Bon Soo personifies what Bon Soo is all about ... smiling faces ... warmth ... fun ... friendliness. How could anyone look at Mr. Bon Soo and not feel good? He puts a smile on everyone’s face!

Even with a full time Staff, Bon Soo is totally dependent on its Sponsorships, BIG or SMALL, Partnerships and VOLUNTEERS.

Together as a Community we continue to CREATE FAMILY TRADITIONS ... ’THEN and NOW".

For any further informtion regarding the Bon Soo Winter Carnival please feel free to call the office at 705-759-3000 and ask for Anna Lisa Zappacosta, Event Manager or email at annalisa@bonsoo.on.ca