Politicians and political candidates are encouraged to show up and lend their support to Sault Ste. Marie's Elbows Up rally on Saturday, April 26.
But if they're planning to make self-serving speeches that day, they'll be asked to stick a sock in it.
"Since this is a peaceful family fun and nonpartisan event, no politicians, no MPs, no MPPs, no political candidates for our upcoming federal election will be invited to speak," says Frank O'Connor, who's been working for the past week with a small organizing committee to plan the event at the downtown plaza.
"If these folks wish to attend, they are doing so as regular Canadians just wanting to shout out with their neighbours from down the road that they love their country," O'Connor said during a city council meeting last night.
The one exception, O'Connor told SooToday, will be Sault Mayor Matthew Shoemaker, who will be permitted to deliver a shout-out "because he's the mayor."
City council agreed to provide up to $1,300 for the event to cover equipment, insurance, staffing costs and cleaning services.
Here's the full announcement as released by the organizing committee:
Sault Ste. Marie to host an Elbows Up Celebration
When: Saturday, April 26
Where: Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Plaza
Timing: Celebration is from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., post-celebration party from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join us in coming together in a non-partisan fashion to share our love for our country, and our love for all its people.
We are proudly Canadian, and we are going to shout it from the rooftops.
Proudly wear your red and white.
Elbows Up Sault Ste. Marie shirts will be available for sale at the event, and prior to the event.
Elbows Up Sault Ste. Marie shirts can be purchased at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum’s Gift Shop.
We will announce the date that they are ready and for sale.
Join your family, bring a friend, bring a foldable lawn chair, and enjoy an afternoon of music.
There will be live local music, a choral singing of O Canada, lots of flag waving, maybe some creative hand-held signs (keep them respectful).
And lots to cheer about.
This is a nonpartisan event so although there may be some speeches by local Saultites, no MPPs, no MPs, no candidates for the upcoming election will be speaking to the crowd.
If they are present, they are there as proud Canadians, who love their country too, and want to shout out with their neighbours from down the street, that they are proud Canadians.
Mayor Shoemaker will get things going with a proud shout-out.
Sault Ste. Marie’s Elbows Up Celebration follows on the events held in Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax.
These joyous, fun-filled family celebrations showcase the respect, the strength, the resilience, and the pride of all Canadians, no matter what political stripe we wear.
We are a sovereign nation and we are strong and free.
There will be food and beverage available for sale until the end of the musical performances, and remember you will be able to get your Elbows Up clothing right at the Plaza too (while supplies last).
You can purchase your cool Elbows Up shirt at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum’s Gift Shop by the end of next week.
Get your singin’ voice ready to belt out “O Canada," put your smile on, get ready to meet folks from the Soo that you many not know, and get ready to cheer loudly and proudly.
Go to elbowsup-canada.ca to see beautiful images of celebrations that have already happened.
We can’t wait to celebrate our country with all of you.
Ten fingers and 10 toes up – way up to Canada.
Our Elbows Up Sault Ste. Marie Celebration is being held at the same time (1 p.m. on April 26) that the Ambassador Bridge/Detroit, the Bluewater Bridge/Port Huron, and the International Bridge/Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan are hosting their own “Bridging our Friendship” events encouraging their communities to bring their friends, their signs, and their Canadian flags.
We will announce more information (the lineup of music and speakers) as we get closer to the event.