Fort Erie, Ontario, August 1st, 2014– The staff and volunteers at The Niagara Parks Commission’s (NPC) Old Fort Erie are preparing the final details for the commemorative 200th anniversary of the Siege of Fort Erie on August 9-10. Marking the significant anniversary of this important battle, events will portray the excitement and drama of the War of 1812 with an action packed schedule of events planned for the entire weekend.
O.d Fort Erie re-enactment. File photo by Niagara Parks Commissio
The Siege of Fort Erie re-enactment will begin on Saturday, August 9 at 10 a.m., when the public are invited to visit the Fort and camps on the battlefield grounds. An official opening ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. that evening, followed by General Drummond’s night assault on the Fort, which will take place at 8 p.m. With over 1,000 registered re-enactors taking part in the two-day event (see attached itinerary for full details), the annual Siege of Fort Erie event has become the largest battle re-enactment in Canada
A memorial service honouring all of those who fell in battle will be held on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. and the last battle re-enactment of the weekend, the American Sortie, will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. Please visit www.niagaraparksheritage.com for full schedule of events.
Hours: Saturday, August 9 Fort Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening Ceremony: 7 p.m.
Battles: 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Lantern Tour of Fort: 9 p.m.
Sunday, August 10 Fort Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Memorial Service 10:30 a.m.; Battle 1 p.m.
Admission: Entrance includes Day Programs or Evening Lantern tour. Adult: $12.25 (13+), Children (6-12): $7.95 plus tax, Children under 5 free. Viewing the battles and walking amongst the camps is free.
Located at 350 Lakeshore Road in Fort Erie, Ontario, Old Fort Erie is approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) or a scenic 20-minute drive south of Niagara Falls and is close to the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York. The new Visitor Centre, grounds and the main floor rooms of the Fort are wheelchair accessible.
Old Fort Erie is owned and operated by The Niagara Parks Commission. NPC is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.
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