(Photo gallery) International Bridge opens to pedestrians

Okay, if you try walking across the International Bridge later today, the people at Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Homeland Security are going to give you grief.

But for just one day a year, the bridge does open to pedestrians and the 21st Annual International Bridge Walk took place this morning.

The popular event celebrates international friendship, says Bill Shepherd (shown today), president of the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Each year, it lures about 2,000 walkers across the almost-three-mile span connecting the twin Soos.

Nine busloads of walkers had left the west parking lot of Casino Sault Ste. Marie. by 8:15 a.m., headed for the Norris Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to await the 9 a.m. walk start.

More people were waiting in the parking lot for the next bus.

"We have six buses and are sending them back and forth until everyone is across or until start time, whichever comes first," said Don Ferguson, communications officer with the Sault, Ontario chamber.

The walk gives people an opportunity to see both cities from a totally different perspective, he says.

When the walk finished in the west parking lot of the Casino Sault Ste. Marie, buses transported walkers back to the U.S continually until around noon.

This year, walkers were asked to be prepared for added safety and security and bring one recognized identifying document with a photo proof of citizenship for adults and a birth certificate for children.

Shephard said the event was, as expected, a full success and the two Sault Chambers of Commerce plan to keep celebrating their friendship with annual bridge walks far into the future.