Historical weekend

Old Fort Niagara will hold the largest War of 1812 event in its history this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22 in Youngstown.

More than 600 Living History demonstrators from across the United States and Canada will converge on the historic fortress for The War of 1812 Grand Encampment.

Depicting British and American forces, the re-enactors will present two days of programming and activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including artillery and infantry demonstrations, fife and drum corps and cavalry demonstrations and displays. Visitors will also enjoy visiting the military camps and sutlers (vendors to the armies).

The Grand Encampment will feature three large-scale battle demonstrations. At 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, the battle demonstration will be an amphibious assault. Visitors should arrive by 1 p.m. to avoid the pre-battle rush.

There will also be an evening battle on Saturday, during which the soldiers will present a real-time depiction of the 1813 British capture of Fort Niagara. Visitors should try to arrive by 6 p.m. and bring a flashlight. For safety reasons, the gate will close promptly at 7:30 p.m., with the battle demonstration beginning at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, July 22, the third battle demonstration will be held at 3 p.m., and visitors should arrive by 1 p.m.

For more information, call 745-7611 or visit www.oldfort niagar a.org.