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Braving the St. Marys River (41 photos)

This year's event saw low spectator turn out considering the Polar Bear Swim's recent controversy

Following public uproar last week when it was discovered that the annual Bon Soo Polar Bear Swim was to be relocated to the festival's new home at The Machine Shop, organizers scrapped that plan and held the popular event at its traditional spot in Bellevue Park on the St. Marys River Sunday afternoon.

Given the amount of feedback and controversy surrounding the proposed move, one might assume a bumper crop of spectators would join the winter celebration. But that was not the case. SooToday counted less than 100 spectators at Sunday's event.

The 54th annual Bon Soo winter carnival continues until Sunday, Feb.12 with a variety of events and activities. There will be an added 'Bon Soo Bonus Day' on Monday, Feb. 20 (Family Day) as the festival hosts Passport to Unity.

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


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Donna Hopper

About the Author: Donna Hopper

Donna Hopper has been a photojournalist with SooToday since 2007, and her passion for music motivates her to focus on area arts, entertainment and community events.
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