While official Canada-US government relations may be a little rocky these days, one town in the US is preparing for an annual festival which celebrates all things here in the Great White North, including the name of our country itself.

With a population of 10,000 people, Little Canada, Minnesota was founded by a French Canadian settler, named Benjamin Gervais in 1844.

And to this day, the town maintains its connection to its northern neighbour – not just in name – but through a three-day-festival as well, known as, wait for it, Canadian Days.

And while Canada Day here at home is on July 1, this small town rolls out the festivities over a three-day period in August.

Little Canada’s community festival “Canadian Days” first began as a bicentennial celebration in 1976, but residents enjoyed it so much that the celebration planners decided to make it an annual event, which is still put together by an organization made up entirely of volunteers.

According to the town’s official website, 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 August 3 to 5.

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.

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