| Southern Georgian Bay
Official War of 1812 Bicentennial Event Nine Mile Portage Heritage Transport Route Celebrate Barrie Festival May 31st, June 1st, 2nd & possibly the 3rd/2012 Barrie, Ontario, Canada The Nine Mile Portage, an ancient native trail, once formed a land bridge between Kempenfelt Bay and the Nottawasaga River enabling a continuous trade and transportation route from Lake Ontario through to Georgian Bay for many centuries. During the War of 1812, the British military improved the route for the transport of supplies and personnel as the lower lakes were occupied by the Americans following the Battle of Put-in-Bay. This land route became strategically important in keeping the captured American Fort of Mackinaw supplied and in British hands. Following the War, the route remained active and, what was known as "the portage landing", grew into the community we know today as Barrie, Ontario. The City of Barrie will be celebrating its founding’s with a huge War of 1812 Bicentennial Event including a very large War of 1812 land and naval component. This potential four day event will include two education days on Thursday and Friday and continuing with two public days on Saturday and Sunday. We are once again looking for participants to partake in this expanded potentially four day event at Heritage Park on the waterfront in downtown Barrie and are specifically looking for the following: British & American Military Units, Individuals & Encampments Period Musical Performers & Fife and Drum Groups If you have a special unique 19th century talent not listed above we would |
***Important Note***
The planning committee is very aware that the Nine Mile Portage/Celebrate Barrie event falls on the same weekend as the 2012 Stoney Creek re-enactment and I have spoken with the curator Susan Ramsay regarding the City of Barrie’s plans to make the 2012 event a huge War of 1812 bicentennial celebration. I have also assured Susan that come June of 2013, “Battle of Stoney Creek’s 200th anniversary”, the City of Barrie will not be hosting a War of 1812 component in conjunction with Celebrate Barrie in order not to compete with Stoney Creeks 200th battle anniversary. This is a paid event for all participants and you will be compensated for attending and providing wholesome education and public orientated programming. A reminder that this event is a little different from normal re-enactments as all participants are being compensated for attending and during education and public hours you are required to cater and interact with the public. First person interpretations and historical portrayals are stressed and encouraged as much as possible. If you are available to attend the event please submit a proposal 1. Name, Address, Postal Code, Phone Number and E-mail address and website it applicable. Email - davidbrunelle@rogers.com Please submit proposals as soon as possible as the Celebrate We look forward to receiving everyone's proposals and if you have any questions feel free to contact me anytime! David J. Brunelle |
1812 group looking for RE-ENACTORS, ARTISANS, ENTERTAINERS for MAY 31, 2012 EVENT
