This small US town hosts an annual festival dedicated entirely to Canada
While Canada may have just celebrated its 152nd birthday, another party set to take place next month will also celebrate all things here in the Great White North – including the name of our country itself.
See also
- 22 fantastic shots of Canada Day fireworks in Vancouver (PHOTOS)
- 22 incredible shots of Canada Day fireworks in Toronto (PHOTOS)
The key difference? This upcoming party takes place in a small town in the United States. Yes, you read that correctly.
With a population of 10,000 people, Little Canada, Minnesota was founded by a French Canadian settler, named Benjamin Gervais in 1844.
To this day, the town maintains its connection to its northern neighbour, not just in name, but through festival known as – wait for it – Canadian Days.
And while Canada Day on this side 0f the border falls on July 1, this small town celebrates Canadian Days over a three-day, festivity-filled period in August.
Described as a community festival, “Canadian Days” first began as a bicentennial celebration in 1976.
However, residents enjoyed it so much that the organizers decided to make it an annual event, which is still put together by an entirely volunteer-based group.
According to city officials, the purpose of the festival is three-fold:
- To provide the community of Little Canada, Minnesota with a summer festival
- To promote stronger ties of friendship and understanding between the residents of the City of Little Canada, Minnesota and Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- To make charitable contributions to youth-oriented activities and organizations of the City of Little Canada, Minnesota
This year’s festival takes place from Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4.
So if you’re planning a trip south of the border this summer, but still want to experience a little slice of home, Little Canada, Minnesota, might just be worth checking out.
And yes, they have a Tim Hortons.