Bon Soo heats up (26 photos)

The 51st annual Bon Soo Winter Carnival kicked off tonight under the big top at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion with feature performances from Studio Dance Arts and Zero Gravity Circus to warm the gathered winter enthusiasts.

An impressive fireworks display on the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront followed the opening ceremonies.

This year's 10 days of the greatest snow on earth includes numerous activities at the Tim Hortons Winter Playground located at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion, including bum slides, the dog pull contest on February 8 at noon, alpaca Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., the snow bike event on February 15 at 1 p.m., and dog sled rides on February 15 and 16 from noon to 4 p.m.

Winter Playground hours:

• Saturday, February 8 and Sunday, February 9 - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Monday to Friday, February 10 to 14 - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16 - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This year's New York Fries Youth Concert Event features the Sault's own Mustang Sally and the Pine Tones as they celebrate the music of Glee.

This performance takes place on Saturday, February 8 at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre at 8 p.m.



Tickets, available at the Athlete's Foot in the Station Mall, are $10 each.



The brand new Bon Soo premiere event, Night of Ice and Fire, celebrates the world of wine at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre on Saturday, February 15 starting at 8 p.m.



Tickets are $40 each and may be purchased at Loplops, Dish, the Athlete's Foot or online at www.bonsoo.on.ca.

For additional information about these and all other events associated with Bon Soo 2014, please click here.

Click here to see video coverage of tonight's Bon Soo opening ceremonies.