Visitors enjoy a sunny afternoon at Peace Arch Historical State Park in Blaine. The Peace Arch Monument, dedicated in 1921 as a symbol of friendship between the United States and Canada, overlooks Boundary Bay. (Photo: Brian Henderson/PNW Daily)
BLAINE, Wash. — The Hands Across the Border rally will return to Peace Arch Park on Saturday, bringing Americans and Canadians together for a show of friendship more than a year after a grassroots movement emerged amid rising tensions between the two countries.
The free event runs from noon to 3 p.m. June 6 at the Peace Arch Monument in Blaine.
Organizers say the rally celebrates the close ties shared by communities on both sides of the border and honors the history of cooperation between Washington and British Columbia.
Movement Began During U.S.-Canada Tensions
The Peace, Love and a Handshake movement gained attention in March 2025 when residents from both countries began gathering regularly at Peace Arch Park.
The group began as Canadian organizer Haidee Landry first ventured to the park along carrying a few extra protest signs for anyone wanting to join.
Participants responded to growing political friction between the United States and Canada, including tariff disputes, concerns over cross-border travel and increasingly heated rhetoric. The gatherings quickly drew hundreds of people carrying Canadian and American flags while promoting friendship between the neighboring countries.
PNW Daily covered the early rallies as they grew in size and frequency. Over the past year, organizers have continued holding events at the international boundary. Supporters say the gatherings help strengthen relationships between families, businesses and communities that depend on cross-border connections.
Peace Arch Remains a Symbol of Friendship
Saturday’s event will take place beside the Peace Arch Monument, one of the most recognizable landmarks along the U.S.-Canada border.
The monument, dedicated in 1921, carries several inscriptions that reflect its mission. Those include “Children of a Common Mother,” “Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity” and the well-known phrase, “May These Gates Never Be Closed.”
For generations, the monument has served as a gathering place for celebrations, ceremonies and community events involving both countries.
Event Information
The Hands Across the Border rally will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Peace Arch Historical State Park in Blaine. Washington State Parks says parking will be free for the event. Additional information and directions are available through the state parks event calendar.
Organizers encourage residents from both sides of the border to attend and celebrate the long-standing relationship between the United States and Canada.
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