Moonlight Magic goes forward without official tree lighting

The community Tree Lighting ceremony will not be happening, due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, but downtown merchants will be open and light displays will be all over downtown for Moonlight Magic on Thursday Nov. 18 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Displays will be located at the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site, the future site of the Downtown Plaza and Outspoken Brewery Alley.

Guests are encouraged to donate to the Sault Transit Stuff-A-Bus for Christmas Cheer event as well.

For more details, please see the news release included below.

The Downtown Association officially kicks off the festive season in Sault Ste. Marie with its Moonlight Magic event on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 6 to 11 p.m. Following Public health guidelines and given the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, there will be no in-person gathering for the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, however, the tree will be lit in conjunction with the Downtown Association’s Moonlight Magic.

Some downtown merchants will be open for late night shopping and special offers. Light installations worthy of an Instagram moment will be located at various spots including the Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site, the future site of the Downtown Plaza (adjacent to Stone’s Office Supply), Paul Mall and Outspoken Brewery Alley. In the spirit of the season, guests are encouraged to bring donations for the Sault Transit Stuff-A-Bus for Christmas Cheer, which will be on location.

“The Community Tree Lighting Ceremony is something many of us look forward to, but the health and safety of our citizens continues to be our top priority,” said Mayor Christian Provenzano. “While we might not be able to formally gather together to light our tree, we can still enjoy the festive season connected as a community. I would like to thank the Downtown Association, city staff and our community partners for working together to develop a safe and fun event.”

“Although disheartening that we will not physically gather together, we can still come together to support our local merchants. Shopping local has never been more important and downtown Sault Ste. Marie has something for everyone on your list. We hope our community enjoys the light displays from our Downtown merchants and the added light features from the City and PUC in a safe and responsible manner,” added Salvatore Marchese, executive director, Downtown Association.

Motorists are reminded that Queen Street from Pim Street to Dennis Street will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 18 beginning at 2 p.m. but crossroads (going north and south) will be open.

A special thank you to the city’s Public Works and Engineering Services staff, the Downtown Association and all the sponsors recognized on the donor tree who have helped to make the annual Tree Lighting possible.

Moonlight Magic will be presented with public safety in mind. Those in attendance are asked to follow public health guidelines including staying home if you are sick, keeping your distance from others and wearing your mask or face covering.