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By RAY SPITERI
The Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council announced six of what is expected to be several events to commemorate the role this region played in the development of Canada and the subsequent 200 years of peace between participating countries.
"These six events are going to be the larger-scale festivities, amongst hundreds of events throughout 2012," said Brian Merrett, chief executive officer of the Legacy Council.
"We are excited for the public to hear what's in store, as we are getting much closer to the big commemoration and celebrations."
Each municipality in Niagara has dedicated 1812 committees and citizens planning events from re-enactments to hockey tournaments — some expected to draw thousands of people.
Things get started Jan. 1 when The Friends of Fort George host a New Year's Levee. There will be ceremonial cannon salutes by the Fort George Artillery and music by the Fort George Fife and Drum Corps. Ontario's Lieut Gov. David Onley has been invited to attend.
Opening ceremonies will take place from June 15 to 18 throughout Niagara. Marking the 200th anniversary of the proclamation of war, events will include musical performances, a cannon-fire exchange between Fort George and Fort Niagara and a candlelight walk. Merrett said a number of important dignitaries are expected to be invited, such as Premier Dalton McGuinty, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and possibly U.S. President Barack Obama.
There will be a grand parade at Old Fort Erie June 23, which will follow in the tradition of holding a full military parade and celebration for armies returning from war. The event will feature more than 50 military units, bands and re-enactors honouring all of the militaries from the three combatant nations in 1812, along with First Nation allies. |
In July, the new and expanded Niagara Falls History Museum will re-open. New to the museum will be the Gale Family War of 1812 Gallery, showing the perspective of those who witnessed the Battle of Lundy's Lane. Opening festivities will include entertainment and activities for all ages.
The 2012 Siege of Fort Erie Aug. 11 and 12 is expected to be the biggest re-enactment put on by the Niagara Parks Commission. Along with seeing the site of the war's bloodiest battle, along with the red coats, black powder and gray fortress walls, visitors can experience the new welcome centre at the fort.
On Oct. 13, history buffs can witness a re-enactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights, one of 1812's most historically significant battles when American forces attacked at Queenston, killing the leader of the British forces, Maj. Gen. Isaac Brock. The event will also feature a re-enactment of Brock's burial, accompanied by 19th century period music.
"The re-enactors tell me when you get to do an event that's on the actual site, on the actual anniversary date, it's like the gold of re-enacting," said Erika Alexander, executive director of The Friends of Fort George and board member of The Niagara-on-the-Lake Bicentennial Committee.
"It's where Canada's boundaries were re-established and it's where Canada began. We were the first capital of Upper Canada. We're rich in all kinds of historic resources. We have fabulous historic sites and, I think, sometimes we forget why it's there."
Merrett said there will be more event announcements in the coming months, both on the Canadian and U.S. side of the Niagara River. |
'Large-scale festivities' for War of 1812 celebrations announced
