88th Annual "Hands
Across the Border Celebration"

will be held Sunday, June 12, 2011,

Peace Arch State and Provincial Park’s.

Each year, the United States Canada Peace Anniversary Association (USCPAA) receives numerous inquiries about the "Hands Across the Border or the Peace Arch Celebration.

While our association (USCPAA) does not coordinate this wonderful annual park event, we support the event organizers (Peace Arch Association) by providing scouts, guides and the general public with information regarding the event. Past event photo highlights are posted below.

2010 event information below:

HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER – SUNDAY, JUNE 13, 2010, 1:00 PM

This year marks the 88th year of the Peace Arch celebration, organized by the International Peace Arch Association, consisting of members from both Canada and the USA.

Youth participants parade through the arch carrying flags from the 145 World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) countries. The parade is often led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Washington State Police. Along with the presence of Girl Scouts of the USA, Boy Scouts of Canada and the USA, Girl Guides of Canada, Cadets and veteran organizations, speeches will be presented by community representatives.

The theme this year is"Past to Present" to incorporate Girl Guides of Canada – Guides du Canada and Boys Scouts of America’s 100th anniversary.

Come join in an exciting day of international friendship and fun, be part of this historical celebration of peace. Make plans with your units and encourage your Areas to gather and come early.

REGISTRATION:

Troop Leaders from your group can register at the Canadian and the US Kitchen in order to receive flags and programs.

Event Schedule:

Participants range between 13,000 to 20,000 youth (Canadian Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, American Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Cadets, Military & local community representatives and organizations). It runs from 10:00 a.m. until approximately 3:30 p.m. The Interstate- 5 & Highway 99 are closed between 12 and 4pm.

Parade starts: 1:00 pm

Suggestions:

Arrive early, limited parking. Buses will be directed to a drop-off and parking.

Parade marshalling begins at noon.

Be prepared for the weather. Dress in layers. It can be very hot or very rainy.

Many participants bring their own picnic lunches.

IT IS RECCOMENDED THAT TROOP LEADERS CARRY PHOTO ID.

Peace Arch State and Provincial Parks are jointly managed and
maintained by Washington State Parks and the British Columbia Ministry of Parks & Lands.
For information on park use or facility rentals contact:

Peace Arch State Park
P.O. Box 87
Blaine, WA 98230
Telephone (360) 332-8221
PeaceArch@PARKS.WA.GOV

Download a 2008 Peace Arch State Park Visitor Guide.

Download (PDF File)

Peace Arch Provincial Park
138 Peace Park Drive
RR#7 Surrey, BC V4P 2Y2
Telephone (604) 541-1217

Girl Guides Canada

Girl Guides Canada British Columbia Council

Girl Scouts of America

Scouts Canada

Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scouts of America, Mt. Baker Council

To learn more about www.peacearchpark.org educational material click here.

 

Border Traffic Camera
Northbound

Border Traffic Camera
Southbound

Canada Customs

US Customs

 

From USA: The Peace Arch is located on Interstate 5, in the city of Blaine, twenty-one miles north of Bellingham, Washington at the US/Canadian border, in Whatcom County.

From Canada: The Peace Arch is located 30 miles south of Vancouver, British
Columbia on Hwy 99.

Click Here For Yahoo Maps - Peace Arch Park Location

Visit our Tourist Information page