The heart of the City is about to be activated with entertainment and festivities. The City of Sault Ste. Marie is preparing to launch programming at the Downtown Plaza November 16, at 5:30 p.m. to coincide with the Downtown Association’s annual Tree Lighting and Moonlight Magic event.
“City staff have an exciting lineup of programming planned in the downtown plaza in collaboration with our community partners and cultural groups,” said Tom Vair, Deputy CAO, Community Development and Enterprise Services. “Our downtown, with a world-class waterfront and over 200 locally owned businesses, continues to improve with investment from both the private sector and the municipality. The addition of this versatile, outdoor venue will undoubtedly enhance the vibrancy and amenities of our downtown.”
What: Downtown Plaza programming launch
Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Plaza
Following the formal presentation, attendees are invited to the annual Tree Lighting in front of the courthouse and late-night shopping downtown. Activities at the plaza throughout the night include free hot chocolate, holiday lights, games, and entertainment with Jay Case from 8 – 10 p.m. at the Village Stage. The plaza’s skating rink will also be open for use (weather permitting). Residents, families, merchants, and visitors are welcome to attend.
“The Downtown Association eagerly welcomes the Plaza’s activation. It will bring increased foot traffic and opportunities for growth, and long-term value to the neighbourhood. Residents and visitors can expect the Downtown Plaza to become the focal point for celebrations, festivals, and cultural experiences throughout the year,” said Nicholas Luck, Executive Director, Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Association.”
Highlights for the holiday season at the plaza include holiday light displays, events at the Village stage including student choirs, movies, Hounds Fan Zones in advance of home games and viewing parties for away games. Other activities include skating on the rink, Soo Market extended hours, hot chocolate nights with festive adult drinks and a “Greyhounds at the Plaza” event on December 4.
A series of events will be taking place in the plaza in the coming weeks including:
Friday, November 17 – Hot chocolate Nights and Holiday Lights
- Soo Greyhound Fan Zone 5 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 18 – Movie in the Plaza (2 p.m. The Muppet Christmas Carol)
- Rotary Santa Claus Parade festivities at 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 19 – Skate N’ Screen skating and movie (The Search for Santa Paws) at 2 p.m.
Thursday, November 23 – Soo Greyhound Fan Zone viewing party (away game) at 7 p.m.
Friday, November 24 – Hot Chocolate Nights and Holiday Lights
- Soo Greyhound Fan Zone viewing party (away game) at 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 25 – Superior Heights Student Choir at 10 a.m.
- Skate N’ Screen skating and movie (Blippi and the Holiday Snow Globe) at 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 26 – Skate N’ Screen skating and movie (Winne the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year) at 2 p.m.
- Soo Greyhound Fan Zone viewing party (away game) at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, November 29 – Soo Market open late 6 – 9 p.m.
- Soo Greyhound Fan Zone viewing party (away game) at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 1 – Hot Chocolate Night and Holiday Lights
- Soo Greyhound Fan Zone 5 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 2 – Soo Market open 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Movie in the Plaza at 2 p.m. (T’was the Night before Christmas)
- Soo Greyhound Fan Zone 5 – 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 3 – Skate n’ Screen skating and a movie (Lego Star Wars Holiday
Special and Ice Age Mammoth Christmas) at 2 p.m.
Monday, December 4 – Meet the Soo Greyhounds 6 – 8 p.m.
As the City begins its official programming, residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the City’s website at www.saultstemarie.ca/downtownplaza or follow the City on social media for updates on events and a schedule of programming. The skating rink hours of operation are Monday to Friday noon – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (weather permitting).
The Downtown Plaza was funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs through the Rural Economic Development Program and FedNor. The Downtown Plaza also received support from local businesses and community development organizations, amassing an unprecedented $1.2 million for this municipal project.
The last time I went for a walk in that vicinity I was pestered by no less than three unkempt scary looking junky types begging for money, one of them was very aggressive.
On several other occasions I have seen many others begging up a storm or in different types of conflict or distress, some sprawled out, vomiting or passed out, here, there, and everywhere in the downtown core.
Let’s hear some news about how they are getting this and the unprecedented violent crime spree that’s been going on under control instead of ‘PLAZA PLAZA PLAZA’ all the time?
The town is SO out of touch with reality.