Raffle winner could help greet first boat at Soo – and that’s just one of the prizes

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – Wouldn’t you like a chance to join the official welcoming party greeting the
first boat at the Soo Locks this year? That’s the unique opportunity being presented to the winner of a
raffle sponsored by the Soo Locks Visitor Center Association. In addition to going aboard the ship and
meeting the captain and crew as they are presented with the traditional plaque and first ship baseball
caps, the winner will also receive overnight accommodations for themselves and one guest in a
beautifully-renovated church/Airbnb in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. The winner and two alternates will
also receive gift baskets full of Great Lakes and Soo-themed goodies.

The raffle is open to current, paid Soo Locks Visitor Center Association members. To check your membership
status and to enter, email solomonemily@yahoo.com before February 19, 2024. To renew or
join, membership starts at $30 and can be sent by check or money order to Treasurer, SLVCA, PO
Box 666, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783. The drawing will take place February 23 at the Visitors
Center and be live-streamed via the SLVCA Facebook page. The winner will be notified via email
following the drawing.

In addition, paid SLVC members, plus one guest, are invited to a reception on Sunday, March 24,
2024 from 7 to 9 p.m., before the midnight lock opening, at the Airbnb for light refreshments,
conversation with fellow Boatnerds, and a chance to buy a limited-edition 1st ship knit cap. As part of
the event, members can chat with Roger LeLievre (Know Your Ships publisher), Andrea Guerriero
(DRE Designs), Mick Awbrey (chief, New Lock at the Soo), former Chief Lockmaster and current
Assistant Operations Manager Jason Wojnaroski and other special guests.

The Soo Locks Visitor Center Association is the non-profit group responsible for the displays in the Visitor Center and Soo Locks Park. It receives no financial help from the Corps of Engineers other than use of the
building.

Please note that greeting the first ship may require walking a quarter of a mile outdoors and could
involve climbing stairs or a ladder if invited on board the ship. The precise time of the greeting
depends on when the ship arrives and could take place in the afternoon of the 24th, right up until
midnight when the locks open. The Corps typically provides an hour or two of notice when the
greeting will take place. The winner must also wear safety gear provided by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers.

This drawing grants the winner the opportunity to attend the first ship greeting but doesn’t guarantee
the time of the greeting. Boarding the first ship is at the discretion of the captain and likewise cannot
be guaranteed. However, in the event that the captain permits the boarding of the ship, the winner
must be able to meet the following conditions:

• The winner must be physically capable of climbing ladders and/or stairs both inside and outside of
  the ship.

• The winner must be able to independently walk a moderate distance to reach
  the ship.

• The winner must wear any personal protective equipment (hard hat, life vest, etc.) required by the
  USACE.

• The winner assumes any inherent risks associated with the event and agrees to hold harmless the
  SLVCA and the USCAE from any liabilities arising from the event.

The March 25 opening of the Soo Locks for the new navigation season has been growing in
popularity as a fun, family-friendly event. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opens the park from

11:30 p.m. March 24 through 1:30 a.m. March 25 for visitors to welcome the first ship passing through
at midnight. On the 25th the SLVCA hosts an open house at the Visitor Center from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.,
with Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre on hand to sell and sign copies of the new edition.

SLVCA