NEW YEAR'S DAY LEVEE: We're going to party like it's 1812

By Grant LaFleche and Don Fraser QMI Agency

Updated 2 days ago

The official start of the War of 1812 bicentennial celebrations isn't until June, when events mark the declaration of war between Britain and the United States.

But for local re-enactors and history buffs, things get underway Sunday during the New Year's Day levee at Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
"It is the unofficial kickoff, really," said Katie Farr, spokeswoman for the Niagara 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council.
Farr said the annual Fort George levee, hosted by the Friends of Fort George, will have extra punch this time because Lt. Gov. David Onley will be holding his own levee there.
"There will be a receiving line, where anyone who comes can meet the lieutenant governor," Farr said.
"All the buildings at the site will be open for visitors, so Parks Canada staff will be out in force."
Farr said because of extra attractions and Onley's presence, the levee is flagged as a "signature event" by the bicentennial council, even if official celebrations are months away.
The war began on June 18, 1812, and lasted nearly three years.
It launched a battle for control of North America between British and American forces.
Some key battles were fought on Niagara soil in areas such as Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and Queenston.
A negotiated peace was finally reached that left the borders of the U.S. and Canada unchanged.

Brian Merrett, CEO of the bicentennial council, said events marking the conflict should serve as a big boost to heritage tourism in the region.

"It's a unique opportunity to celebrate 200 years of peace," said Merrett. "It will also let people recognize what an important role in our history that Niagara played."
Hundreds are helping organize events in Niagara, Merrett said. "Every community has 1812 working committees that vary in size."
As for re-enactors, it's the start of a busy three years at sites made famous by the pivotal war.
On Sunday, they're expected to be at Fort George to give visitors a sense of what life was like there 200 years ago.
John Sek of Fort Erie is among many making that history come to life. His role is as a captain of the 2nd Lincoln Artillery Unit, which was active in the conflict.
"It will be a busy year, and actually the next three years will be busy," said Sek, adding there's been much co-ordination to ensure re-enactors aren't overlapping from one event to the next.
As for the various War of 1812 sites, "we all have different stories," he said.
"We all have different approaches as to what the purpose was of all this," Sek said, adding another important story is how a peaceful outcome was finally achieved.
"Telling people history is one thing," said Sek, also a member of the Fort Erie War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee. "But (it's also) for the public to reflect on why this happened and what the result was.
"Canadians got kicked and we realized we couldn't stay as a colony. Canada had to become its own nation."
"And that happened."
The Fort George levee on Sunday starts at 1 p.m. and runs to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, with a cannon salute at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Some events will be outdoors, so dress accordingly.
Other War of 1812 event highlights for this year
An opening ceremonies weekend is planned throughout Niagara to mark the June 18, 1812, declaration of war
A major parade in Fort Erie in June, with more than 50 military bands invited
Siege of Fort Erie in August, presented by the Niagara Parks Commission — one of the largest re-enactments in Canada.
* Battle of Queenston Heights and burial of General Isaac Brock re-enactments in October
For more information, visit www.discover1812.com or www.visit1812.com