7th Annual Military Re-enactment Weekend - July 14 & 15

More than 250 years of Canadian military history, from scarlet coated and kilted Highlanders to the red berets of World War Two Canadian Paratroopers, will be on display at Crysler's Farm Battlefield Memorial and Upper Canada Village Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15, as the Friends of Crysler’s Farm present their 7th annual Military Heritage Weekend.

Activities near the Battlefield Memorial will take place between 9:30 a.m. and dusk on both Saturday and Sunday, and will include children’s military musters, period merchants, military encampments, and rope making and blacksmithing demonstrations. Visitors will also have a chance to learn about the Canadian Horse in times of war.

This year's presentation marks a break from those in the past as it depicts a broader spectrum of the history of the Canadian military, from the era of the Plains of Abraham to modern peacekeepers. This “Tribute to Canadian Military History” will take place at 1:30 p.m. each day near the Centre. There will be demonstrations by historical re-enactors displaying regiments from the Seven Years War, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the 1860s period of the Fenian Raids and World Wars One and Two, as well as members of the present day Canadian Forces. Nineteenth century military drills, music, musket firing and an artillery competition will all be a part of the program.

Also featured will be the story of the Canadian horse, this noble breed who served as military draft animals and as cavalry mounts for more than 200 years. While the Canadian breed literally provided horsepower throughout out the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a different kind of transportation mode will be shown during the World War Two demonstration as costumed re-enactors use jeeps, Bren Gun carriers, machine guns and a 155 mm howitzer (in firing condition). The presentation will culminate with a special salute to ALL Canadian military past and present, with a special feu de joie, fired by a variety of historical weapons.

The public is invited to drop in at the Battle of Crysler’s Farm Visitor Centre, which showcases a newly refurbished audio-visual presentation depicting the strategies and struggles during the Battle of Crysler’s Farm and the War of 1812. The building also houses a magnificent panoramic mural, painted by the Canadian artist Adam Sheriff Scott, highlighting the climax of the action at this important battle.

Admission to the daytime activities around Crysler's Farm Battlefield Memorial is free; donations to the Friends of Crysler’s Farm are appreciated.

On Saturday evening, the action will move inside the gates of Upper Canada Village, where a battle re-enactment will unfold in the fairground fields.

And there’s more … Willard’s Hotel will be open for dinner that evening (reservations are recommended by calling 613-543-0660). Musical entertainment will be provided by Gopher Baroque, a trio performing a mix of traditional and original acoustic folk music. The night will end with a bang when a grand firework display lights up the skies over the St. Lawrence River adjacent to Upper Canada Village. Gates open at 7:00 p.m., and admission to the evening battle and entertainment is only $4 for adults and $2 for children (5 to 12 years of age).

The Military Re-enactment Weekend is presented each year by the Friends of Crysler’s Farm, and made possible with the help of sponsors Bell Canada and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. The event will return to its depiction of the War of 1812 - including the Battle of Crysler's Farm - in 2008.

Please note that ALL entry into Upper Canada Village Heritage Park during the day for this event will be rerouted through the Crysler Park Marina entrance. It is recommended that visitors arrive early to avoid traffic congestion. In addition to the Military Weekend Event at Upper Canada Village, Crysler Park Marina is hosting an Open House and Family Fun Day on Saturday, July 14, with free admission to a variety of fun events (www.cryslerparkmarina.com)