Americans Flock to Nanaimo for ‘Nanaimo Infusion’ Event
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NANAIMO — April 27, 2025 — hundreds of Americans traveled to Nanaimo, British Columbia, for the weekend-long “Nanaimo Infusion” event. The gathering aimed to boost the local economy and create cross-border friendships. Organized by local Tod Maffin due to a viral TikTok campaign, Americans showed solidarity with Canadians. The event’s success reinforces the need to maintain international understanding and goodwill.
Americans Embrace Canadian Hospitality in Nanaimo Infusion Event
Nanaimo, British Columbia – April 27, 2025
In a remarkable display of cross-border camaraderie, approximately 500 American visitors converged in Nanaimo, British Columbia, on Saturday for a group photo with local residents at Maffeo Sutton Park [[3]]. The event,dubbed “Nanaimo Infusion,” was organized to bolster local businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs and to foster goodwill between the two nations.
Key Takeaways
- Solidarity Gathering: Hundreds of Americans traveled to Nanaimo to show support and neighborly solidarity.
- Economic Boost: The influx of visitors is expected to provide a significant boost to local businesses.
- Cross-Border friendship: The event highlighted the strong bonds between Canadians and Americans, despite political tensions [[1]].
Event Overview
The Nanaimo Infusion event, conceived by local resident Tod Maffin, was sparked by a viral TikTok invitation encouraging Americans to visit Nanaimo and support its economy. The response was overwhelming, with visitors arriving from across the United States to participate in the weekend-long event [[2]].
I’m overwhelmed. My heart is full. I could not have imagined that this many people would come to support the mid-Island, and just Canada as a whole. I mean there’s hundreds of them,
said Tod Maffin, the event organizer.
Visitor Experiences
Travelers from various states shared their motivations for attending the Nanaimo Infusion, emphasizing a desire for unity and a break from the political climate in the U.S.
Sallie Vallereux, who journeyed from North Carolina with her husband, expressed her enthusiasm: I’m just so happy to be in a place where everyone’s like-minded with me and believes the same stuff. And it’s heartwarming to see everyone is united in the craziness that is going on in America.
Kevin Keating, traveling from Seattle with his wife, shared similar sentiments: We were a little pensive about coming across the border, just becuase of the rhetoric that comes out of D.C.But we came across no problem, and it’s great to see so many people so open and like us.
He added that they planned to explore local restaurants, waterfalls, and beaches during their stay.
