OGDENSBURG — An “Elbows Up for Canada” rally is planned for Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Ogdensburg. The event will begin at 1 p.m. outside City Hall, 330 Ford St., with remarks from Blake Gendebien, a Democrat running for Congress. Gendebien, a dairy farmer, will speak about the vital economic and cultural relationship between Canada and the North Country.

Around 2 p.m., the group will walk a short distance to Morrisette Park to wave to Canadian friends across the river, in view of Fort Wellington. Participants are encouraged to bring U.S. and Canadian flags, along with signs celebrating international friendship.

Weather permitting, a “Friendship Flotilla” of boats, jet skis, and kayaks will cross the St. Lawrence River to greet Canadians from the water.

“Elbows Up,” a nod to a defensive hockey move and popular Canadian expression, is the name of a series of coordinated rallies stretching from Alaska to Vermont and London, England. Many are taking place along the U.S.-Canada border. An interactive map of events is available at www.elbowsupforcanada.us.

The rallies celebrate the longstanding U.S.-Canada partnership—one of the world’s most integrated relationships, with more than $780 billion in annual trade and millions of jobs dependent on cross-border commerce. Canada is the largest market for U.S. goods and an important partner for the North Country. The nations also share deep family ties, with many dual citizens and cross-border families, along with shared values like democracy, diversity, and human rights.

Organizers stress the event is positive and unifying, aiming to showcase grassroots support for continued cooperation between the two countries on economic, environmental, and security matters.

"Every day we look across the St. Lawrence River and we see friends, family members, and business partners,” said Adam and Eileen Jarrett of Morristown, co-organizers of the Ogdensburg rally. “We hope this rally will remind everyone of our friendship.”

The “Elbows Up for Canada” movement includes American and Canadian advocacy groups committed to preserving the historic bond across the world’s longest undefended border. Local coordination is led by North Country Neighbors for Civic Engagement.

For more information, email: ogdensburg@elbowsupforcanada.us.