Wasaga Under Siege is undoubtedly an event for reenactors more than spectators and that is what makes it one of the best and most compelling.
Reenactors are historical battle buffs, usually history buffs in general, who dress in period clothing according to their historical allegiance and travel from place to place, acting out battles, some historical and some embellished, for entertainment purposes.
From July 25-27, more than 400 reenactors are expected to descend on Nancy Island Historic Site for the recreation of the War of 1812 battle between the British and the Americans, including one historical recreation of the battle that sunk the HMS Nancy on Aug. 13, 1814 and several other fictional battles.
During the weekend, Nancy Island is transformed into a battle camp of the era. At a glance, nothing is modern. People sleep in white canvas tents, held down by wooden pegs. There are no zippers and no plastic cups.
If people bring coolers to the event, they are cased in wood. All modern conveniences are kept out of sight.
The effort solidifies the experience of walking back in time as observers stroll through the encampment, which is open during the day and evening throughout the weekend.
Wasaga Under Siege begins Fri., July 25 with a river run reenactment from Glengarry Landing in Edenvale, down the Nottawasaga River to Nancy Island, so named because it was formed when sediment gathered around the remnants of the HMS Nancy.
Participants will travel 30 kilometres, some in voyageur canoes, along the historic fur-trading waterway.
"Those who show their loyalty to King George III by cheering on the hearty crews, flying the British colours or showing their loyalty in other forms will receive a token of the King's appreciation and a musket or a cannon salute," say organizers.
The river run begins at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to end by 2 p.m., however last year, the voyage took longer than expected as low water levels and debris slowed travel.
The experience made for good stories, retold by organizer David Brunelle at the Saturday night concert on Nancy Island.
This year's entertainment includes Washboard Hank, Ceol Cara, Caber Toss, the Zoom Daddys and Backroads.
All of the performers playing throughout the weekend appear in period costume and play traditional music, or songs inspired by the era, to complete the experience.
Wasaga Under Siege Nancy Island grand encampment is open to the public Fri., July 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat., July 26 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun., July 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A battle aftermath lantern self-guided tour of the encampment takes place on Saturday from 8-10 p.m., where spectators can observe the aftermath of a 19th century battle including a surgeon performing amputations on wounded soldiers, nervous British pickets guarding the bridge from American spies and surprise attacks, looters pillaging the dead and wounded and widows looking for new husbands. The public is invited to barter for goods in the 19th century market place, take in the musical entertainment and if lucky, be surprised by a night attack.
Admission costs $5 for adults, youth 16 and under get in for free.
Battles are scheduled to take place Fri., July 25 at 7 p.m. at Beach Area Two, Sat., July 26 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Beach Area One and Sun., July 27 at 2 p.m. at Beach Area Two.
For a detailed schedule of events visit www.wasagaundersiege1812.com.
Help wanted
Organizers are looking for volunteers to assist with parking, a shuttle service, a barbecue, refreshments and the collection admission fees. Anyone interested is asked to call Erin Holen at Nancy Island, 429-2728 or Keith Johnston or Marilyn Beecroft at 429-2516. Potential volunteers are being asked to attend a meeting at Nancy Island on Thurs., July 24 at 5 p.m.
