In the spirit of celebrating Canada Day and Independence Day this week, Backwoods Promotions is honoring both holidays by giving some of our staff the opportunity to share what being Canadian or American means to them.

Shawna W. is a drag racer from Canada and has been racing since the age of eight years old. 

When we asked Shawna how she celebrated Canada Day this year, she reported, "I spent my Canada Day at the Nitro Nationals Park, one of Canada's biggest, loudest and fastest Motorsport events. I got to celebrate Canada Day with my family and thousands of race fans doing what I love - hitting the track at speeds of up to 200mph!" We asked Shawna what being Canadian meant to her. She told us, "Being Canadian means being accepted, and having the freedom to express yourself and live freely doing whatever it is that makes you happy. It's endless opportunity, pride, kindness and inclusion." Our founder, Jess Kline, proudly displays her Canadian roots whenever she can. Pictured below, Jessica enjoyed a ride on a Yamaha SCR750 for Canada's 150th anniversary last year.

 This year, Jess proudly displayed her Canadian flag outside, put on her Canadian shirt and enjoyed the day with family and friends. 

Aubrey K. is from a small town in Kansas, she grew up on a farm spending the summers helping her father with the harvest and riding her horse in her free time. We reached out to ask her the significance of Independence Day in her own life.

Aubrey reported that she plans to spend the day boating on the lake with friends and her German Shepherd, Louie. When we asked what being an American meant to her, Aubrey stated, "Being prideful and humble. I'm proud of where I come from and the ability to be part of such a great nation.  We reached out to another staff member, Christina B. to find out how she celebrates Independence Day. Christina is a model, actress and athlete from Michigan. She enjoys being outdoors whenever she can and keeping an active and healthy lifestyle.

Christina plans to spent the 4th of July with good friends, good BBQ, around a lake or a bonfire (maybe both!). When we asked what being an American meant to her, Christina reported, "Being an American means a lot to me because we are hardworking and prideful people. We know the meaning of a hard days work, and how to do the job right. We never back down from a fight and smile and get right back up when we're knocked down. The American Dream is something everyone wants, the freedom and opportunities of this amazing land we were given is unlike anything else. From helping others, growing crops in the field, fighting for freedom and being proud of who you are, I am very proud to be an American."  Abby L. is a Southern girl from North Carolina with a passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors. She takes pride in being an American and Carolina girl.  Abby also spends the day celebrating with family. She stated, "Being an  American is something we often take for granted. People gave their lives so that we could live this amazing life in such a beautiful country. Without our freedom, I may not have the opportunity to enjoy my day off work with my family. We take the time to honor the ones before us who gave their blood, sweat and tears for our freedom and everything we have."  Here are some other noteworthy and patriotic photos. We hope everyone celebrates safely, and enjoys their time with friends and family!   Dakota Karkoulas #501, of Karkoulas Sisters Racing, giving it her all under a Canadian flag at a CSRA event this year. 

We never know where our travels will take us! Here's a great picture from a random road trip through Seligman, AZ.

ICELLARS Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, captivates guests from the road with their patriotic art out front of their store.  Who not ride on the 4th of July? That sure sounds like a great way to spend the day to us!