Sure sign of winter: Bon Soo prep officially underway

The nine-day festival that is Bon Soo is gearing up as the cold weather approaches.

The 61st Bon Soo Winter Carnival runs from Feb. 2-10, 2024 with events spread through areas of downtown, including the Canal District and the Northern Superior Tap Room, which will be a 19+ zone.

As SooToday first reported earlier this week, the new downtown plaza will also be among the venues.

According to a press release issued this morning, the annual event will see the return of some of the favourite events such as the Polar Bear Dip, fireworks and the bum slides.

Some of the popular events from last year's event are also making a return in 2024, including The Polar Rush Urban Winter Obstacle Course, EDM Sno Bath, and the Fire and Ice Hot Sauce Challenge.

Headlining the 2024 program will be award-winning Canadian country music star Brett Kissel, who will perform at the Machine Shop on Feb. 7 as part of his nationwide tour.

“After a revival in its 60th year, the Bon Soo Board of Directors and community partners are excited to bring you Bon Soo 61!,” said Bon Soo president Kurtis McDermid. “This year will be full of Bon Soo staples, classics with new spins, and a few surprises we can’t wait to announce in the coming weeks.”

A come-and-go information session is planned at the Northern Superior Tap Room on Oct. 26 from 5-9 p.m., which will give attendees a chance to learn more about the festival, sign up to be part of the Long Underwear Legion Volunteer Squad, or to donate gently used skating equipment to assist in some of this year's events in participation with YNCU Motivate 2 Skate - a program that provides international post-secondary students and new Canadians an opportunity to experience ice skating in a private and judgment-free environment.

Sponsorship packages are available for community organizations interested in getting involved in supporting the festival by volunteering or click here.