Essar Steel- Everything’s A-OK

Every year, the Sault’s own summer festival livens up the city. Filling the streets with live entertainment, carnival rides and much more, Rotaryfest provides the residents of the Sault with a weekend of fun and entertainment. The parade is a staple of Rotaryfest, and as a corporate sponsor, Essar Steel Algoma looks forward each year to submitting a float in the community day parade. Despite forecasted rain and thunderstorms for this past Saturday, the skies were clear and the sun was shining- a perfect day for a parade! Not that a cloudy skies forecast was dampening anyone’s spirit; all those participating in the parade knew that it never rains on a parade. The sweltering heat didn’t stop the thousands of people from lining Queen Street to catch a glimpse of Television Memories on Queen and join in the celebration. It was a hot walk for those who chose to walk- especially those donning a costume. Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Elmo, Bert and Ernie were troopers!

Leading our parade float was Oscar the Grouch, attached to the front of the transport. Keeping cool in his garbage can, he sneaked sporadic peeks at the crowd.

Thanks again to the Rotarians who bring this community together in celebration year after year and thank you to all of the talented and enthusiastic Essar Steel Algoma employees who helped to make everything A-OK.

See below for photos from parade day.

Once the parade ended on Saturday, something else very exciting was happening on Russ Ramsay Way. The Rotary Arch was being unveiled. This arch has special significance to the City of Sault Ste. Marie because it pays homage to the history of Sault Ste. Marie. The Arch was originally built in 1937 and used to welcome those entering the Sault via ferry, including Queen Elizabeth herself. Essar Steel Algoma played a special role in the Rotary Arch coming to life, donating the steel and craftsmanship of our employees who built and erected this historic landmark.

Also, a special thank-you to Sterling Crane and Trans pro for their help in this project!

See below for photos from the unveiling ceremony.

ribbon about to be cut, left to right, Jim Hrusovsky, CEO, Essar Steel Algoma Inc. ; Debbie Amaroso, Mayor, City of Sault Ste. Marie; Rotaryfest Committe Members

Essar Steel Algoma Inc. CEO Jim Hrusovsky speaks at Rotary Arch unveiling ceremony

Big Bird headbands in progress

Sesame Street float sign in the Carpentry Department prior to its attachment to the float

float outside of Carpentry, in the process of being assembled

Oscar the Grouch, seen in the Carpentry department before being attached to the front of the transport.

Jay and Misty Roberts, Yip Yip hooray!

Noah Cadham, Big Bird for a day

Cookie Monster, AKA- Gideon Down

the Parade Crew, outside the Essar House just before the parade is about to begin