SACKETS HARBOR, New York (WWNY) – The Can-Am Festival is a summer favorite in Sackets Harbor. But with tensions between the U.S. and Canada, the village hopes to keep the “Can” in Can-Am.
The festival celebrates the North Country’s relationship with its northern neighbors. But following President Trump’s tariffs and mentions of adding Canada as the 51st U.S. state, there’s mounting unease from Sackets businesses that Canadians just won’t come.
“As a business, it’s certainly a concern. We hope they come out and come over and give us a try. We, as always, will welcome them with open arms, or open plates,” said Kevin Trimper, lead server at Tin Pan Galley.
The festival boosts the village’s economy. Coffee shop Chrissy Beanz is usually swamped for Can-Am, and its co-owner, a Canadian, says he has reason to believe this year could be different.
“I’ve been fortunate to travel back and forth between Canada and the U.S. quite a bit the last few weeks, and definitely there’s sentiments up in Canada that Canadians are very upset, and very angry, and very hurt at what has happened here in the U.S.,” said Daniel Ridmanovic, co-owner of Chrissy Beanz.
At the Sandwich Bar, the owner isn’t concerned. Jamie Hubbard has already seen a fair amount of Canadians come through her store this season, and a recent change in the store’s ownership exemplifies continued Canadian/American relations.
“Ironically, we’ve changed hands with a business and the new owner is Canadian. So I feel she’s got a lot of clout, and she’ll bring her pals down. I don’t see it (as) an issue,” said Hubbard.
Village Mayor Alex Morgia says this year Sackets is doing more to make Canadians feel welcome by putting a focus on Canadian floats in the Can-Am parade.
“We’re trying to come out swinging and really show our Canadian neighbors that upstate New York still wants to be friends and we’d love for them to come and visit,” he said.
The festival begins on July 19.
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