Hundreds brave the rain to get their elbows up in Nova Scotia
Several hundred hardy souls braved the rain at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth on Sunday to attend Nova Scotia's first Elbows Up,Canada! event.
Organizers bill the events as "family-friendly, non-partisan gatherings celebrating Canada's strength, unity and resilience."
The rallies feature speeches and musical performances. Similar events have already been held in Ontario and British Columbia.
The enthusiastic crowd heard a variety of musical guests, entertainers and speakers. (Josh Hoffman/CBC)
Despite persistent downpours the Halifax event kicked off as scheduled at 2 p.m.
Many members of the enthusiastic crowd waved Canadian flags while others settled for sheltering under Maple Leaf-emblazoned umbrellas.
The event included musical performances by Jah'Mila and Blueberry Grunt, comedian Shaun Majumder, and celebrity appearances by Robb Wells and Mike Smith — Ricky and Bubbles on the television show Trailer Park Boys.
Speakers included Juanita Peters, executive director of the Africville Museum and Halifax mayor Andy Fillmore.
People attending the event said it was important to show solidarity and pride in Canada in the face of recent challenges coming from the United States and President Donald Trump.
Members of the crowd waved Canadian flags while others sheltered under Maple Leaf-emblazoned umbrellas. (Josh Hoffman/CBC)
Darlene Richardson said Sunday's rain didn't bother her compared to the threats Canada was facing from what she described as "the villain at the door."
"If you don't stand up, we're going to lose it all," she said.
Darlene Richardson said Canada is facing a 'villain at the door.' (Josh Hoffman/CBC)
Candace Longway shared a similar sentiment noting that the event was as much an anti-Trump event as it was a show of national unity.
"What is happening in the south is unheard of. It's unprecedented. It's uncalled for," she said.
Jo-Ann Grant said the Trump tariffs are a threat to Canada and the entire world. (Josh Hoffman/CBC)
Jo-Ann Grant said the inclement weather was nothing compared to the recent U.S. tariffs which, she said, are not just a threat to Canada but the entire world.
"There's something really nefarious going on there," Grant said. "I don't think we even have a clue about what the actual outcome is going to be."
Zoey Sampson, 11, said she doesn't want to be part of the U.S. (Josh Hoffman/CBC)
Zoey Sampson, 11, huddled under an umbrella with her mother taking in the onstage entertainment.
Sampson said she doesn't want to be part of the U.S. and doesn't like Trump.
"Canada shouldn't be for sale and the United States shouldn't take it from us," she said.
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