If you plan on attending the 2024 Engineers Day Friday, June 28, there is a new policy in place for added security.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has in place that only clear plastic bags 12" x 6" x 12", or no larger than gallon-sized Ziploc-type storage bags, will be allowed inside Soo Locks Canal Park for Engineers Day.
This includes camera bags, purses, etc. Diaper bags are exempt, however, like all bags, they are subject to search.
The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and with thousands of people expected to attend, the additional security measure has been implemented.
If you do not have a clear bag that meets the Army Corps guidelines, the Soo Locks Visitors Association has ordered clear bags that will be sold at several local stores on Portage Avenue near the Locks before entering the Soo Locks Canal Park.
Ray Bell, local business owner and president of the Soo Locks Visitors Association board, said they are trying to make it as easy as possible for people attending the event to get a clear bag before entering the park.
"We will explain to them that you need a clear bag to get into the Locks. We have the Visitor Center with 300 bags that we are going to disperse to all the area businesses along Portage so they can sell them. At most major events nowadays, you have to have a clear bag," Bell said.
The clear bags cost $8 with any proceeds from the sales going to the association's general fund for future projects.
