A few short months after Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours announced Scott LaBonte’s succession to general manager, its boats are rocking Sault Ste. Marie docks.
AM GOLD Duo of The American Band is what you may have heard if walking along the St. Marys River on Thursday evening. Frank Gillotte and Jim Belleau played country and easy rock for a boat full of sightseers, as Captain Larry Spencer set off on a two-hour color tour.
“This is just something really nice for people to do, so they can see the fall colors,” said Gillotte, excited to be part of the changes to come.
Miranda Sharp and Patrick Meister of Portland, MI came to the Sault looking to get away.
“This is our second day here,” said Sharp. “We wanted to go on a Soo Locks tour, but thought this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is beautiful weather to go out on the water.”
Others, like Ron and Theda Williams of Charlevoix just wanted to cut loose and have a “wild, crazy time.”
Present general manager Rich Brawley certainly enjoyed himself, laughing and socializing with passengers.
"Younger people came up with this idea,” he said. “It's something we may continue doing.”
Wife Carol Brawley nodded in agreement, pleased to see the boat so full of people having a good time.
“We want to start doing more interesting things to engage the community,” she said. “Our area is so gorgeous and so beautiful. We love to let people explore from the water. Several young people on our board of directors have been coming up with more ways to engage residents. We are excited about the future."
LaBonte’s long-term goal is to get locals reacquainted with the water, land, and industry that sets Sault Ste. Marie apart.
“I think people can sometimes take our beautiful area for granted, and forget how much is really here,” said LaBonte.
Brawley, who just turned 76-years-old, was more than ready to hand LaBonte the wheel.
“I just want a little more time in Florida and to hunt and travel,” Brawley said. “It’s been a wonderful career that I have thoroughly enjoyed.”
After 42 years, not just anyone could take over.
“We were delighted to find Scott," Mrs. Brawley added. "He is everything we were looking for."
On the same same day as the tour, news broke that LaBonte was appointed to the Michigan State Waterways Commission by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
LaBonte will represent people residing north of Townline 16 in the Upper Peninsula for a term that will run from Sept. 29, 2022 to Sept. 18, 2025.
LaBonte will succeed Patrick Egan, whose term expired on Sept. 18.
Be sure to check the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours website for scheduling and other information. Its physical address is 515 East Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Its phone number is 906-632-2512.
