The Town of Newmarket is celebrating Canadian pride amid rising patriotism in the country with a special celebration to mark Flag Day Feb. 15.
The town is putting on an event at Riverwalk Commons Saturday featuring a live DJ playing Canadian music, buskers and Canadian-themed roaming characters, complimentary birthday cake, hot chocolate, maple taffy and mini-Canadian flags.
The celebration comes with Canada under threat of the U.S. imposing 25 per cent tariffs, which could significantly damage the economy. The threat has created a surge of patriotism, with retailers promoting Canadian-made products and local businesses pushing for shop local initiatives.
"I am so proud to see how this community continually comes together to demonstrate support, pride and strength, especially during times of uncertainty,” Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said in a news release. “Now more than ever is a time to celebrate what it means to be Canadian and show our strong support for our homegrown products and businesses by shopping Canadian.”
President Donald Trump backed off plans to impose tariffs on all products last week, delaying for at least 30 days after negotiations. But the threat remains, with Trump signing an executive order to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada, starting March 12.
Canadians are showcasing more national spirit in the face of it. Newmarket plans to hang Canadian flags along Main Street and paint the flag on the ice at Riverwalk Commons on Doug Duncan Drive. The town is also encouraging locals to visit Newmarket's Main Street and shop locally for the event.
The community and local businesses are also urged to hang Canadian flags, decorate in red and white and share stories about why you are proud to be Canadian on social media using the hashtag #NewmarketCanadaProud.
“Newmarket, let’s show our commitment to Canada in this difficult time," Taylor said, encouraging residents to put a flag in front of their houses or windows. "Let’s start a trend across Canada that our Canadian Flags will fly proudly until the tariff threats end!”
The event will start at 1:30 p.m. with the national anthem and remarks from Taylor, followed by themed performances starting at 1:45 p.m.
For more details on the celebration event, visit newmarket.ca/canadaflagday.