Theory of a Deadman singer Tyler Connolly belted out some of the band's most popular songs while they took the stage Monday night before a crowd of more than 5,000 fans.

Fireworks over the Niagara River Tuesday evening marked not only Canada's 141st birthday, but also the end of Friendship Festival festivities on the Canadian side of the border.

The Starship spins into the evening Monday at the Friendship Festival. The grounds along the Niagara River were a popular destination for residents from across Niagara and the border over the weekend. Although showers on and off throughout the festival made for muddy grounds for the highlight of the weekend -- the Theory of a Deadman concert -- the skies cleared in time for Canada Day and fireworks Tuesday evening. The Friendship Festival continues through the weekend in Buffalo's Riverside Park with rides, entertainment and Independence Day fireworks July 4 at dusk.

For eight-year-old Symone Austin, celebrating Canada's 141st birthday is about celebrating peace.

"I think it is important to celebrate Canada's birthday because I like Canada. There is peace and quiet in Canada," she said.

The Niagara Falls resident and her family opted to take in the Fort Erie Friendship Festival Tuesday instead of enjoying festivities in Niagara Falls.

"We've been coming for years. There are more festivities here and it's easier to get at," said Symone's mother, Nicole.

Other families, like the Kennas from just outside of Ridgeway, have been coming to the festival for years not only because it's the place to be Canada Day weekend, but also for a lesson in patriotism.

"It was her idea to get the flag on her face," said Troy Kenna, motioning towards his daughter Sophie. "It's good for the kids. They enjoy it."

The Friendship Festival is a celebration of the bond between Canada and the United States spanning nearly 200 years of peace.

The festival kicked off Friday, June 27, with Canadian Multicultural Day and a citizenship ceremony at St. Paul's Anglican Church. Throughout the weekend, Fort Erie Heritage Arts members were on hand to paint landmarks as part of the group's "From Bridge to Bridge" project. Monday morning welcomed vendors from the Ridgeway Farmers Market.

Although showers throughout the festival made for muddy grounds for the highlight of the weekend -- the Theory of a Deadman concert -- the skies cleared in time for Canada Day.

The Friendship Festival continues through the weekend in Buffalo's Riverside Park with rides, entertainment and Independence Day fireworks July 4 at dusk.

For more information, visit www.friendshipfestival.com.