History will come to life at the Backus Historic Village in Port Rowan this weekend as the annual War of 1812 reenactment returns to the Backus Heritage Conservation Area.
The event takes place Saturday and Sunday, bringing nearly 200 reenactors together to recreate the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the War of 1812.
Jessica King, Social Media and Marketing Associate with Long Point Region Conservation Authority, says the annual event has been running for more than 40 years.
The weekend is organized with the Crown Forces of North America 1812, a living history and reenactment group representing British, Canadian, militia and Indigenous allied units from the War of 1812.
The battles themselves are staged differently from year to year, but the history of the Backus Mill plays an important role in the event.
Backus Mill was one of the few mills in the area to survive the War of 1812, when a number of mills were destroyed by American forces.
The main battles are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
King adds while those battles are incredible, they have lots going on elsewhere.
Saturday’s activities run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while Sunday’s schedule runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Other activities throughout the weekend include food interpretations, dance lessons, shopping and demonstrations.
Dolly’s Sandwiches will be on site with its food truck, while the Norfolk Fiber Arts Guild will demonstrate weaving and sell some of its products.
The blacksmith shop will also be open, with live demonstrations.
The event is designed to be family-friendly, with plenty of activities for children and opportunities to explore the historic village.
Admission is through a day pass to the Backus Heritage Conservation Area.
Visitors can reserve a pass online through the Long Point Region Conservation Authority’s camping and reservations system, or purchase one when they arrive.
A day pass costs $16 per vehicle, covering up to seven people.
