Blaine, Wash. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is anticipating state and provincial law enforcement closures of all vehicular traffic through the Peace Arch port of entry this Sunday, June 13, between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the 87th annual "Hands Across the Border Celebration."
The Peace Arch Park will be host to youth groups from the U.S. and Canada in recognition of the great friendship between these two nations. A youth parade of flags from around the world will be carried through the arch and accompanied by Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and veterans.
During this period, all traffic will have to divert to either the Pacific Highway port of entry, one mile east of Peace Arch on State Highway 543, or to the ports of Lynden, on Highway 539, or Sumas, on Highway 9.
Border traffic volumes are expected to be impacted during this celebration and CBP is reminding travelers to plan your trip and allow extra time for crossing the border. Consult the CBP website to monitor border wait times and review the "Know Before You Go" tip sheet.
All travelers are reminded that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, implemented on June 1, 2009, requires U.S. and Canadian citizens age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable travel document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S by land or sea.