Started in 1987, the Friendship Festival has enjoyed 20 years of growth and local impact to both sides of the Niagara River, located at the east end of Lake Erie. The Festival is marking the July 1st, 1867 birth of Canada, the July 4th, 1776, Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, and the War of 1812, a turning point towards friendship.
The War of 1812, one hundred and ninety-one years ago, started this unique friendship of Canada and the United States. The event that started the friendship was the signing of "The Treaty of Ghent" which took place on Christmas eve 1814, the message would not be received until January 1815. This saw the start of one of the world's longest friendships. The Friendship Festival celebrates Canada and the United States relationship and both countries continuation of this friendship into the future. Pay a visit to Buffalo's Riverside Park this 4th of July weekend. Here's the schedule of events.