What's new, Bon Soo?

Bon Soo Winter Carnival Board President Brett Lund (pictured) highlighted events and performances scheduled throughout the upcoming 51st annual winter spectacular to festival supporters, sponsors and volunteers gathered at the Sault Ste. Marie OLG Charity Casino this evening.

Kicking off with the opening ceremonies at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion on Friday, February 7, the evening will feature performances from Studio Dance Arts and Zero Gravity Circus, and will be hosted by CTV's Marina Moore.

Everything gets underway at 6:30 p.m. with the annual fireworks display immediately following the opening ceremonies.

This year, the Tim Hortons Winter Playground will move from Bellevue Park to its new location at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion.

Winter Playground hours:

• Friday, February 7 - 5:30 to 8 p.m.
• 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.

Highlights of the Winter Playground include the 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.

This year's New York Fries Youth Concert Event features Mustang Sally with guests the Pine Tones as they celebrate the music of Glee 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 2014 new Bon Soo premiere event, Night of Ice and Fire, celebrates great wine from across the globe paired with perfect appetizers and live entertainment 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

Complimentary bus shuttle service home within the City limits is included with each ticket purchase.

Naturally, the 51st annual Bon Soo Winter Carnival will wrap with the OLG Polar Bear Swim at Bellevue Park on Sunday, February 16.

Registration begins at noon with the chilly plunge kicking off at 1 p.m.

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

To see video coverage of the 2014 Bon Soo launch, please click here.