The Bicentennial of the War of 1812

1. The Bicentennial of the War of 1812 Commemoration and Celebration Fort Erie 2012

2. Fort Erie1812 Bicentennial Project Committee • Mission • To celebrate and commemorate the War of 1812 with the highest possible standards highlighting its importance to Canada and the Town of Fort Erie • Strategic Objective • To involve the community in the 1812 Bicentennial through a series of events, educational initiatives and re-enactments that will appropriately celebrate and commemorate the Bicentennial and support and enhance the local economy • Motto • 1812—Canada’s First Step to Nationhood

3. What’s at Stake • The Bicentennial of the War of 1812 will be the largest national event subsequent to Centennial Year in 1967 Tourism and Economic Impact Initial Assessment of the Marketing Opportunity Which the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 Presents” (2009) TSN Canadian Facts • Amongst Americans living in border states 2.5 million indicated that they would “Definitely consider attending” and 6.1 million stated that they would “Probably consider attending”. • Amongst Ontarians, .75 million stated that they would “Definitely consider attending” and 1.5 million stated that they would “Probably consider attending”

4. What’s at Stake • It was also projected that most Bicentennial visitors would stay an average of 3.6 nights (Americans) and 2.8 nights (Canadian) in the Niagara area to attend Bicentennial celebrations. • “High enthusiasm” amongst “same day” historical travellers in S. Ontario and WNY -WNY—1.1 million willing to drive 2-3 hrs. -S. Ont.—2.1 million willing to drive 2-3 hrs. -Same day travellers spend approx. $70/person/visit Potential tourism revenue for the Region is $224 million

5. Other S. Ontario Events • Other municipalities from Toronto to the Niagara Region are planning major events for 2012-14. These include: • A major Niagara Region/WNY Opening Event • Re-enactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights • Levee in NOTL and Re-enactments

6. January 2012 • The opening event for our 2012 celebrations will be an original play, set in Fort Erie in the pre war period and presented by the Dominion Theatre Group • The opening production is entitled "The Lion and the Eagle" which will run the month of January for the opening ceremonies of the bi-centennial festivities.. The new interpretation centre at the old fort will be turned into Moody's Tavern an actual tavern in 1812. It's Christmas time, 1811 and all the townsfolk, including soldiers and a few Americans are gathering to celebrate the Yuletide. Suddenly.3 shots are heard outside and a hole is found in the wall. The talk turns to the impending war with the Americans and many views are voiced. The actors will display many of the common beliefs of the day about the war and the Americans. The production will include songs of the day that the audience can join in on . Singers, dancers, re-enactors, musicians and some of the best actors in the area will make this an interactive event not to be missed. • January, 6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22,27,28,29—2012—(12 performances) • The Theatre, Old Fort Erie Interpretation Centre

7. February-March, 2012 • Announcement of community participation events and contests • Crafters events—woodworking, quilts and other crafts • Period Beard Growing organized by chapter • Period Dress organized by chapter • Participants and chapters will take part in the parade, and Siege Weekend—judging of winners in various categories.

8. April, 2012 • Canada v. US Hockey Tournament, April 7 • April 7 at the Leisureplex • This is a bi-national event with our US counterparts with a game in the US to be scheduled shortly after April 7 • Paid admission event • Joint 1812 Bicentennial/ALC Dinner, April 28 • The Bicentennial Project Committee will join with the annual ALC dinner which will have, in part, an 1812 theme

9. May, 2012 • Fort Erie Museums Month, • Museum presentations highlighting the Town’s history from 1812, the community during the War period, driving/walking/biking tours of historic sites • Two Public Lectures, May 12 & 26* • Fort Erie in 1812, its citizens and the impact of the War. • The First Nations Community in 1812, its view of the war and its impact. • *tentative dates

10. June, 2012 The Grand Parade June 23, 2012 Significant features Invitees include the Queen or member of the Royal Family, the PM, the Premier and Lt. Gov. and US Officials The Prince of Wales Regimental Band from the UK and one of the US Marine bands have accepted invitations to attend This will be a major tourist draw for FE and the Region. Winners of beard and period costumes will be announced at the band tattoo Marketing will include TV, tourist publications, and Canada-wide marketing at the federal level. Target June 23-July 1—300,000 visitors • This will be the “signature” event of the 2012 celebrations • 50 bands, military units and reenactors from Canada, the UK and the US • Floats and groups from FE Schools, clubs and associations with theme of “200 Years of Peace” and “The Community in 1812” • Parade to be followed by a Band Tattoo at Old Fort Erie and battle re-creation fireworks

11. August, 2012 • Siege Weekend—the largest siege event held thus far. The Project Committee will add displays including products from the craft competitions. • 1812 Golf Tournament—This is a community participation event for both fundraising and Bicentennial awareness.

12. September, 2012 • 1812 Dinner and Debate, September 15 • This is a ticketed fundraising event featuring dinner with samples of 1812 food and a debate with the theme “Who Won The War of 1812?”. • Debaters will include 2 experts on the War of 1812 conducting a short serious debate followed by 2 celebrities debating the same question. Rick Mercer and Stephen Colbert are being approached to participate in the second debate.

13. August to October, 2012 • 2012 Finale—Original Theatre Production entitled “Sparks From a Campfire” presented by the Dominion Theatre Group. "Sparks from a Campfire" Imagine an evening on the battlefield outside the Fort in 1814. At sunset, the battalion trumpet bleats and all quiet is sounded. The British and Canadian soldiers and some Indian warriors relax for the evening. A small, diverse group gather in front of a campfire to eat and discuss the day. As the mail is handed out, each one of this group proceeds to tell their story and how they ended up defending the frontier for the King.   A 14 year old from rural Ireland, a widow of a slain soldier, a Six Nation defender, a German mercenary and the like. A interesting theatrical device will be used in that the small band of actors will play several parts. For example ,when the boy from Ireland begins to read a letter from home and begins to dramatize his story of how and why he came here, the widowed cook will play his mother in the scene. This type of role-playing will be used throughout the evening. The play will be performed outside ,on the grounds of the fort employing actual props from the era, special effects. A very exciting evening of theatre and history.

14. Budget for 2011 • This is a planning and organizing year and relatively few grant programs are available for this activity. We have applied for a Heritage Canada Grant which provides for funds up to $50,000

15. Funding Sources for 2012 • Municipal Allocation • Federal and Provincial Grants • Fundraising and Sponsorships from the private sector and service organizations • Legacy Council • Peace Bridge Authority creating a 2012-14 commemorative calendar with proceeds to the Bicentennial