Sunday, August 28 is International Go Topless Day.
The grande dame of Queen Street, the Memorial Tower, appears to be very much in the spirit of things.
The 67-year-old tower had its cupola-top lifted off this week, part of a rehabilitation project that will replace its glass light enclosure, including the copper roof and associated trim.
The tower was originally part of Sault Memorial Gardens, which was demolished in 2006.
Its red beacon drew Soo Greyhounds fans to the arena during every home game for decades.
"The focal point of the Gardens is the main entrance and circular tower," wrote Heather Ingram in her 1995 book Views of the Sault.
"In the tower cupola is a lantern which is lit during important events, such as Canada Day celebrations. At one time, this beacon was never extinguished, but it was later thought to disrupt ship navigation," Ingram wrote.
"Many hockey arenas built in Canada after World War II commemorated those who died in the war; however, the Sault Memorial Gardens was unusual in that it incorporated a Memorial Tower enshrining the names of the fallen of the World Wars and Korean War," says a 2000 booklet on local heritage properties prepared by the Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Heritage Committee.
