For another year at least, Winnipeg will retain it's title for the largest living flag in the country. 

Thousands of people gathered at Portage and Main early in the morning on Canada day to form a giant living maple leaf. 

Downtown Biz puts on the annual event every year, which usually takes place at Shaw Park, home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes. 

Stefano Grando is the CEO of Downtown Biz and says they wanted to do something special for Canada 150. 

"We're out here celebrating Canada Day in the heart of our city and the heart of downtown right in the middle of Portage and Main," said Grande. "We're so grateful the city was able to close down this intersection today and now four or five-thousand people have showed up and we'll retain our title as the largest living flag in Canada." 

Winnipeg has beat the likes of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, who have all made human flags in the past. 

Grande says that speaks to the passion of the people who live in Winnipeg. 

"Rain or shine people come and stand for hours, waiting for the flag to come together," he said. "It shows pride for our beautiful country and it shows all of us can come together. If you look at the crowd, people from all walks of life are here and that's what Canada is all about."