Bon Soo kicks off with a (cold) bang (21 photos)

The 50th annual Bon Soo Winter Carnival kicked off with a bang last night at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion.

A mighty cold bang, but a bang nonetheless.

Hundreds gathered to witness the evening's entertainment that included music from Thin Ice, the Northland Barbershop Chorus, and Mustang Sally featuring former member and local reality TV star Johnee Rae Whalen; Sault illusionist extraordinaire, Ryan McFarling, who produced the new and improved Mr. Bon Soo seemingly out of thin air; and the ever-popular Studio Dance Arts dancers (pictured).

Co-hosts Timothy Murphy and Tony Ryma kept the proceedings on track and on time as the crowd eagerly awaited the event's finale, the annual fireworks display.

Bon Soo continues through to Sunday, February 10 with events and entertainment throughout the City of Sault Ste. Marie.

Tonight the annual youth concert featuring tributes to One Direction and Carly Rae Jepsen takes place at the Pine Street Armory at 8 p.m.

The Bon Soo Tim Hortons Winter Playground at Bellevue Park is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Sunday; from 5 to 8 p.m. weekday evenings this week; as well as 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, February 9 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 10.

For a complete list of Bon Soo happenings, please click here.