By Shannon K. Jones
Staff Reporter
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SAULT STE. MARIE - Onlookers filled the Soo Locks Park on June 24, as the city kicked off the summer-long Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary) Celebration of the Locks with an opening day ceremony.
A number of noteworthy individuals were on hand to recognize the importance of the Soo Locks to the nation, including Most Reverend James H. Garland, Bishop of Marquette and Brigadier General Bruce A. Berwick, commander and division engineer of the Great Lakes and Ohio River Divisions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
"We owe our forefathers a great debt for their strategic vision and innovation," said General Berwick as he addressed the crowd on the historical importance of the Locks.
The Locks, constructed in 1855, allow for more than 80,000 million tons of cargo to cross the seaway each year. As a vital part of the world shipping industry, the Locks are the only link between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes. Coal, iron, cement and steel are the most transported commodities. Without this structure in place vessels would not be able to safely traverse the 21-foot drop in St. Mary's River elevation.
The Locks are also important to the local economy as they provide employment as well as a tourist destination. Since 1971, more than 13 million people have visited the Locks, coming from all over the world.
The Sesquicentennial Celebration will continue throughout the summer until September.
Upcoming celebration events include: July 1 to 4 - "All Nations Celebration" including Sault Tribe's Pow Wow, parade and tugboat races; July 14 to 17 - "Military Days," will included a visit from the traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial and a Veterans Motorcycle Rally; July 22 to 24 - "Voyageur Days," focusing on the heritage of people in the region .
For a full list of events and more information on the Soo Locks 150th Anniversary Celebration visit www.saultstemarie.com or call the 150th Hotline at 906-632-6361.
