This small US town hosts an annual festival dedicated entirely to Canada

Jul 3 2019, 3:39 am

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.

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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.

US town

Canadian Days parade in Little Canada, Minnesota (Facebook)

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.

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

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