Greetings! As the snow continues to fall and temperatures are getting colder, there is one major thing the community of Sault Ste Marie gets excited about when this happens. It is the anticipation of the big race! The International 500 Snowmobile Race in February.
This year marks the 43rd running of this great "Professional Race". The Sault Events, Inc. is working with the I-500 Race Committee to build the excitement and gear up for the race week, February 1, 2011 thorough February 5, 2011.
Over the past few years, the I-500 event has climbed to new levels within the media coverage arena. This is so important to ALL businesses in our community as media coverage brings visitors to the city which generates revenue for us all. Last year's media coverage included such networks as Speed Channel and Tru-T.V., and a movie documentary was made about the race. This year, the media coverage is once again being taken to a new level with expanded international coverage. The media people visiting the I-500 during race week will take this effort from the community and build from it for the entire week.
As a local business owner you can assist with the community enthusiasm for this great race. To do so, you can decorate your store fronts and change your message boards to welcome the racers and fans. Now, we are not talking about only hanging up a poster or flyer in your window for the race. We mean decorate such as window painting, putting up race flags (green, white, red, yellow, checkered, etc.), and having signs saying welcome race fans and teams, among other possibilities. Maybe offer a discount for people who come into your store wearing their button (but advertise that in your window as well so people know they can get a discount with it there). These are just a few ideas. I am sure you can come up with a lot more great ideas.
By doing this, it will not only make the streets of Sault Ste Marie race ready but it will also help your business gain awareness. Because people are here for the race, they are more attentive to the racing signs and decorations, which in turn, may draw them into your establishment to look around or for a drink and/or food. We ALL can enjoy the benefits of this outstanding event that has put the city of Sault Ste. Marie on the winter sports destination radar.
So we, The Sault Events and the I-500 Race Committee urge you to join us in this effort. Please help us welcome all the race teams and race fans into our beautiful community of Sault Ste. Marie.
Again, thank you for your time, consideration, and cooperation!
Nathan Gregorich
Nathan Gregorich
Special Events Coordinator, The Sault Events, Inc.
Scheduled for January 22nd, this event includes a 6 mile race for adults and a 2 mile race for children. There will also be time set aside for families to ski at their own pace. Refreshments and Family Fun Day t-shirts will be available at the event. 
