Tensions between Canada and the United States are at an all-time high, and amid a cross-border trade war and even threats of annexation, the illumination of Niagara Falls in the American red, white, and blue colours is likely to generate some confusion in the tourist destination this weekend. Niagara Falls, Ont. shares more than just a name with its neighbour across the border, as the NFL culture of Western New York has spread beyond international boundaries and made the Buffalo Bills a local favourite among Ontario football fans. And with the Bills set to square off in their divisional round playoff game against the Denver Broncos this weekend, both the U.S. and Canadian falls will be lit up in the team's colours (which just so happen to be the same trio used in the U.S. flag) on Saturday night. Special 15-minute illuminations at 8 and 10 p.m. on Saturday follow a recent visit to Niagara Falls State Park on the U.S. side of the river by Bills star Josh Allen and Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, where the two filmed an episode of the show Peyton's Places that prominently features the falls. But for Canadians not necessarily in on the NFL scene but very well-versed in current political tensions, the special illuminations might raise some eyebrows. The choice of these colours on this side of the border at this time of geopolitical chaos becomes a bit clearer with the knowledge that special illumination requests are approved by a board that includes an even mix of Canadian and U.S. interests. The Niagara Falls Illumination Board in charge of lighting up the falls for over a century includes representatives from U.S. interests like the City of Niagara Falls (New York), the New York Power Authority, and the New York State Office of Parks, along with representatives from Canadian entities like the City of Niagara Falls (Ontario), Ontario Power Generation, and The Niagara Parks Commission. And it's a courtesy that has gone both ways across the border. As recently as this past fall, Niagara Falls was lit up with blue to celebrate the Toronto Blue Jays' historic postseason run.