BULLET NEWS NIAGARA
January 1, 2012

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE – Lt. Gov. David Onley will helping to celebrate the New Year at Fort George National Historic Site in Niagara-on-the-Lake – the first event marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812 in the Niagara Region.

During the event, which takes place Jan. 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Parks Canada will open the gates of Fort George to welcome regional residents and visitors to tour the buildings, watch the military and music demonstrations and learn more from site staff about its history and role in the War of 1812.

Parks Canada staff will bring the fort to life and allow visitors to step back in time to experience Fort George as it was in 1812.

Onley will be joined by Reg. Chairman Gary Burroughs, Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor David Eke, along with other dignitaries, local politicians from both sides of the border, members of 1812 committees and the general public.

“This milestone event marks not only the beginning and celebration of a New Year, but also the start of Niagara’s Bicentennial celebrations”, said Burroughs.

“That His Honour has chosen to host his Levee in Niagara at Fort George has a very unique historical significance and we are delighted to welcome both the Lieutenant Governor and all Niagara residents to this most auspicious occasion.”

The origins of a levee date back to the 18th century during the reign of King Louis XIV.

The tradition was brought to Canada by the Royal Governor of New France, who would sit on his doorstep at his Quebec residence on New Year’s Day-morning to greet the citizens and usher in the New Year.