The cities of Fort Erie and Buffalo are located on the opposite shores of Lake Erie at the head of the Niagara River famous for Niagara Falls. The cities are connected by the Peace Bridge that was opened in 1927. Buffalo and Fort Erie maintain close cultural relations and strive to support and promote tourism, cultural activities and the economic development of the Niagara region. One of their joint initiatives is the Friendship Festival held every summer.
The inaugural Friendship Festival was held from June 29 to July 4, 1987. Such dates were chosen to encompass two state holidays, one in each of the participating countries: Canada Day (July 1) and Independence Day of the United States (July 4). However, the dates have shifted over the years and don’t necessarily encompass the two holidays anymore.
According to the organizers, the main goal of the Friendship Festival is to celebrate and maintain the good relations between Canada and the United States that were established following the end of the War of 1812. Festival events are held in both cities but Fort Erie typically takes a slightly more active part in organizing the event.
The Friendship Festival features a series of exciting events and activities including concerts, car shows, fairground rids, parades, exotic animal displays, beer gardens, BBQ, and more. Among artists and bands that perform at the festival there are both big names and up-and-coming local musicians. The festival is usually headlined by a renowned performer, but there have been exceptions. For example, in 2012 Fort Erie focused on local talent and hosted a series of concerts featuring 27 bands from the Niagara and Buffalo areas.
Photo: friendshipfestival.com