Wasaga under Siege – A War of 1812 Experience
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Nancy Island Historic Site, Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada - August 17th, 18th & 19th/2012
Lt. Miller Worsley of the British Royal Navy was in a tight situation and he knew it. From his position at the mouth of the Nottawasaga River looking out onto Georgian Bay, he could see the sails of three warships approaching. They were not flying the British Union Jack, but the Stars and Stripes of the infant republic to the south. It was August 13th, 1814 and Great Britain had been at war with the United States for two years.
From the narrow strip of land on which Worsley lay, the Nottawasaga River curved behind him running almost parallel to the lakeshore for about four miles, a piece of waterfront, which to future generations would become a popular tourist destination.
But now it was war and Worley’s main concern was the schooner Nancy which sat anchored in the river behind him, her masts concealed by the trees. She was his to command along with 21 seamen of the Royal Navy, 23 Indians and 9 French Canadian Voyageurs. This was Nottawasaga Landing an important British supply post. It was guarded only by one crudely built blockhouse on the inland side of the river and was the only means of defence which stood between the Americans and the Nancy, if she was to be discovered.
The American ships Niagara, Tigress and Scorpion, under the command of Captain A. Sinclair had sailed to the mouth of the Nottawasaga River and dropped
anchor. They believed the Nancy whom they were seeking, was still on route from Fort Michilimackinac. Perhaps the Nancy and her crew would escape the Americans after all.
Wasaga under Siege “A War of 1812 Experience” hosted by Nancy Island Historic Site and the Town of Wasaga Beach will feature authentic War of 1812 tactics, historical battles, marine assault landings, artillery, and much more. A professional public address announcer will narrate each battle event as a series of fictional and historical battle scenarios will be presented to the public over a three day period. The Grand Encampment at Nancy Island Historic Site will feature over 300 re-enactors opening their living history encampments to the public along with 19th century merchants, artisans, period cooking, musket and cannon demonstrations and period entertainment featuring,
The Zoom Daddy's, Shaymus the Storyteller, Sutler Cyrus, War of 1812 Surgeon, Candle making and native drumming by On-gwe-ho-way.
"The sandy beach and the modern attractions that surround it have overshadowed Wasaga Beaches rich history for such a long time, that only a small percentage of visitors and residents actually know that a War of 1812 battle was fought here. Wasaga under Siege "A War of 1812 Experience” is an annual large scale re-enactment that will help bring to live this important historical event in Wasaga Beaches’ history. Battles and activities will no longer be restricted to the Historic Site of Nancy Island as all battle events will take place off the island in various beach park locations throughout Wasaga Beach. The
battles taking place off Nancy Island will bring more awareness of our rich history to our visitors and residents as well as bringing more exposure and visitation to Nancy Island Historic Site itself.” - Town of Wasaga Beach. Visit www.wasagaundersiege1812.com for more event information.
Recipient of the 2006 Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce Tourism Attraction of the Year Award
EVENT DETAILS:Zoom Daddy’sThe Zoom Daddy’s are proud descendants of army deserters from long ago. Armed with guitars, harmonicas, and rocks (for self defence against bears and critics) the Zoom Daddy’s combine wit, zaniness, comedy, humour, and even some funny stuff in their songs. They wander around aimlessly throughout the land in search of listening ears, preferably listening ears attached to people. The group features brothers Richard and David DeJonge. Richard and David met one morning at the breakfast table when they were quite young. After a heated argument about how many raisins are in 2 scoops, they quickly discovered that it would be more fun and less violent if they sang about the after effects of too much bran. Thus, their musical journey began. For Over 15 years, these bizarre minstrels have played and sang all across Canada and almost half of the time - from outside prison walls. Tell them your name and you may get a special improvised song just for you! Show them your money and watch their hungry eyes bulge out. Expect the unexpected and be ready to run away if necessary but whatever you do, don't miss the Zoom Daddy’s. 19th Century Military SurgeonIf
you have concerns about our health care system today, you will
appreciate it a lot more after a demonstration of 19th century medical
care services. Witness and listen well as the surgeon explains and
demonstrates the crude ways of dealing with amputations, infections and
other ailments of the time. New patients are always welcomed!! Native Drumming & SingingThe On-gwe-ho-way Native re-enactment group includes some amazing singers and sensational storytellers who know a variety of songs that are (and were) sung by a variety of the nations, and several of the legends that have been an important part of the culture for centuries, and hopefully will be for many more. Sutler Cyrus and the Snake Oil ShowSutler
Cyrus brings you a dazzling selection of finest quality,
well-researched historic games and toys, jewellery, and non-functioning
reproduction arms. His world-famous Cartridge Candy can't be beat! The
Snake Oil Show features feats of magic and healing potions which is pure
entertainment for all ages. Candle MakingVisitors
will also have the opportunity to make their very own wax candle the
old fashion way. You will experience the slow process it takes to make
candles with a wooden stick and a piece of string. Patience is the name
of the game as candle making was a very routine job! Duelling DemonstrationsNancy
Island hosts hundreds of re-enactors, volunteering their time to make
the Wasaga Under Siege event so special. The re-enactors live on Nancy
Island all weekend, living in period canvas wedge tents, cooking in 1812
style. Usually a happy bunch, the close quarters can occasionally fray
the nerves of even the friendliest officers. At times like that, the
only honourable course of action is to point flintlock pistols at each
other, duel to the death, and steal the loser’s boots. Duels are staged
in the style and rules of the time, and well worth seeing! Cannon and Musket DemonstrationsNancy Island will be booming with the sound of cannon and musket fire as the infantry and artillery from the War of 1812 time period come alive for the public to hear and see. The muskets of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the Royal Artillery cannon crews will be loading and firing their guns as well as educating the public with displays and hands on demonstrations. Candy Cannon Firing – For Kids of All Ages!Prepare yourself as a real 19th century black powder mortar launches pieces of candy over sixty feet into the air! Children of all ages will have the opportunity to scavenge for candy as it rains down on them. Candy cannon firings will take place at scheduled times during the day. For public information, media pictures and schedules for daily activities and musical entertainment contact the following: Website – www.wasagaundersiege1812.com Nancy Island Historic Site – (705) 429-2728 www.wasagabeachpark.com Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce – (705) 429-2247 www.wasagainfo.com David J. Brunelle – Coordinator – wasagaundersiege1812@rogers.com | Sutler Cyrus & the Snake Oil Show - Merchant’s Row Friday, August 17th: 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 4pm, 5:15pm, 7:45pm Saturday, August 18th: 10am, 12noon, 3pm, 4pm, 5:15pm, 7:45pm Sunday, August 19th: 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 3pm Native Drumming & Singing: On-gwe-ho-way - Outside Theatre Friday, August 17th: 10:15am, 12:15pm, 2:15pm, 4:15pm, 8:45pm Saturday,August 18th: 10:15am, 12:15pm, 4:15pm, 8:45pm Sunday, August 19th: 10:15am, 12:15pm, 3:30pm Cannon Demonstrations - Behind Museum (Caution: loud noise from muskets and cannons) Friday, August 17th: 10:30am, 12 noon, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm, 8:30pm Saturday, August 18th: 10:30am, 12 noon, 3pm, 4:30pm, 8:30pm Sunday, August 19th: 12 noon, 3pm, 4pm Brock’s Railroad - Book signing and readings by author Tom Taylor - Merchant’s Row Saturday, August 18th: 12:15pm, 4:15pm, 7:45 Redcoated Ploughboys - Book signing by author Richard Feltoe - Merchant’s Row Saturday, August 18th: 10:00am to 12:30pm Shaymus the Storyteller - Theatre Friday, August 17th: 10:45am, 12:45pm, 2:45pm, 4:45pm, 8pm Saturday, August 18th: 10:45am, 12:45pm, 2:45pm, 4:45pm, 8pm Sunday, August 19th: 10:45am, 12:45pm, 2:45pm Musket Demonstrations - Behind Museum - (Caution: loud noise from muskets and cannons) Friday, August 17th: 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5pm, 8:45pm Saturday, August 18th: 11am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 5pm, 8:45pm 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:15pm Sunday, August 19th: | Zoom Daddys Musical Entertainment Candy Cannon - Behind Museum
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