Despite relations being a bit frosty between Canada and the U.S. during this hot summer season, many have decided to choose connection over division.
Americans and Canadians flocked to Crystal Beach in Ontario for a day of fun and friendship on Canada Day.
"It's a holiday to celebrate exactly what Canada is," said Kevin Woods, of Canada. "A nice day off where you get to celebrate your country. Normally you get good weather, not today as much, but we're still making the most of it and having a good time."
Woods served up fun at the volleyball net with his friends, including one from America, who says the group will reciprocate Friday on Independence Day.
"The mutual respect is very nice. The nice thing about this area and just this family in general is they do both celebrations, which is why I think coming back for me is so important," said Cacie Carroll, of the U.S.
The celebration comes amid tensions between the two countries over issues like sovereignty and trade disputes.
"To be honest, I try to stay out of the news with all the crap that goes on. I have so many friends that are American. I go to America. I've probably been there like 30 times," said Woods.
"It doesn't matter," said Carroll. "We're here to celebrate. We're here to have fun."
The day coincides with a new appreciation campaign from Visit Buffalo Niagara, called "Buffalo Loves Canada," a celebration of the region's ties to its cross-border neighbor, with new billboards and social media messages.
That comes as U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports almost a half-million fewer Canadian travelers crossed the border by car in May, down 25% from last year.
"We want to be respectful of their wishes and their thoughts and their concerns and when they're ready to come back, we'll be more than happy to welcome them back," said Patrick Kaler, president, CEO, Visit Buffalo Niagara.
Both Woods and Carroll hope visitors will get the message and return to upstate New York.
"It's like short-term, all this riffraff, back-and-forth. I get that people want to make a statement, and I also kind of agree with that right, being Canada, being patriotic," said Woods.
"I think as long as we continue to choose love and each other," said Carroll. "There's so much bad happening. Be a good person. Choose happiness. Be kind to your neighbor and move forward."
Celebrations at Crystal Beach run through Saturday night.