“Monday was Thanksgiving for you all?” asked dental assistant Jody Warner. “What kind of sales did you have to celebrate?”
Welder Jonathan Skyler wanted to learn more about the differences in how Canadians and Americans observe the special day. “So it’s the second Monday in October? But you can also celebrate on the Saturday or Sunday? And how many football games are played over the long weekend in your professional league and by college teams?”
Canadians have long been frustrated that many Americans seem to know only about the holidays observed in their own country. Treena Blakely, head of tourism in Niagara County, is aiming to change that and entice Americans across the border. “We may not have a four-day weekend or Black Friday or a giant televised parade, but our Thanksgiving is just as special,” said Blakely. “In its own way.”
On the Canadian side of the border, we asked Fort Erie residents what they enjoy most about Thanksgiving. “The short work week that follows,” said retail worker Davinder Sidhar.
“I like that all the US stores are open on the holiday Monday so I can go shopping across the border,” said Janis Laird. “Target is just the best!”
“What do I like best about Canadian Thanksgiving?” asked truck driver John Loomis. “That we don’t make such a big deal out of it, I guess. Most years, my wife’s family doesn’t even care if we don’t get together.”