Siege of Old Fort Erie reenactment returns August 10 for its 39th year

History will be brought to life with a bang at Old Fort Erie (350 Lakeshore Rd.) where the 39th annual reenactment of the Siege of Fort Erie is set to take place August 10 and 11.

Visitors will have the opportunity to witness hundreds of reenactors portray British and American forces clashing with muskets and cannon fire.

The Siege of Fort Erie, which began in August of 1814, turned Fort Erie into one of Canada’s bloodiest battlefields, Assistant Manager of Old Fort Erie Drew Neufeld told Fort Erie Radio. He added that the reenactment put on at Old Fort Erie every year is Canada’s largest War of 1812 reenactment.

In addition to soldiers, there will also be reenactors playing the roles of merchants and sutlers, who will have unique historical pieces available for purchase.

The Fort and camps open to the public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 10. The changing of command ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., with command of the British line passing from Brigadier General Craig Williams to Brigadier General Tom Fournier.

Following Drummond’s dramatic night assault on Saturday evening on the south field, Old Fort Erie will come to life on a guided lantern tour.

Neufeld said reenactors will present a variety of historical vignettes on that tour.

Those wanting to go on the lantern tour will need to make their way to the welcome centre at 9 p.m. following the conclusion of the night assault.

Parking, camp and battle reenactments are free to the public, however general admission is required to access the Fort itself and the Saturday night lantern tour.

Kids in attendance throughout the weekend will have the opportunity to join the mini militia where they will learn what it was like to be a soldier in the 1800s, take part in simple arms drills, and practice marching and bayonet charges.

The event will continue on Sunday until 5 p.m., at which time a short ceremony will see the American flag replaced with the British flag.

Registration is not required for visitors to the Fort but is required for reenactors.

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