From WUS

Wasaga under Siege – “A War of 1812 Experience”

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, Dr. Quimby’s Medicine Show, Laura Secord, 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.

Looking for Volunteers - August 17th, 18th & 19th/2012 - Nancy Island Historic Site

We are also looking for community volunteers to help out with admissions, refreshment booth, shuttle service, parking and other positions. Anyone interested in helping out at the event will receive an event T-shirt, event souvenir, endless bottles of water and meals depending on the day and time you volunteer. Volunteers will also receive 2 free admissions for the weekend for friends and family. Contact: Marilyn Beecroft at: marilyn.beecroft@mnr.gov.on.ca or (705) 429-2728.

Pillaging and Plundering Americans Invade Wasaga Beach

During Wasaga under Siege 2012 the Town of Wasaga Beach will feel the wrath of the invading American forces. They will be marching into town pillaging and plundering local participating merchants and organizations between 12:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday, August 17th and Saturday, August 18th. British and ally troops will be on guard at participating merchants and organizations attempting to hold back the Americans from pillaging and plundering local food stuffs and other supplies vital to the war effort and local residents.

Nancy Island Grand Encampment Open to the Public

Friday, August 17th - 10:00am to 9:00pm Saturday, August 18th - 10:00am to 9:00pm Sunday, August 19th - 10:00am to 4:00pm The Grand Encampment at Nancy Island Historic Site features over 400 re-enactors opening their living history encampments to the public along with 19th century merchants, musket and cannon demonstrations, period artisans & demonstrators, roaming entertainers, all day and much more.

Gunboats on the River

Friday, August 17th - 7:45pm Saturday, August 18th - 2:45pm & 7:45pm Sunday, August 19th - 1:00pm American gunboats have been dispatched up the river to survey defences of the British. British gunboats and shore batteries await the Americans as the roar of cannons and muskets thunder across the water. Battles take place on the Nottawasaga River, between the Main St. Bridge and Nancy Island Historic Site

Skirmish in the Woods!

Friday, August 17th - 7:00pm - Fictional Battle American scouting and foraging parties have been sent ashore for firewood and reconnaissance in search of any signs of British forces and the Schooner Nancy hidden up the Nottawasaga River. British pickets have already alerted Lt. Worsley of the American presence and re-enforcements have been sent out to stop the American advance and hopefully discovering the Nancy.

The Americans have Landed!

Saturday, August 18th - 2:00pm - Fictional Battle The Americans unprepared for the previous evening battle have re-grouped and landed with force as they come closer and closer to detecting H.M.S. Nancy. Once again Lt. Worsley and his small force will try and hold off the Americans and avoid detection. Will they succeed?

Defending H.M.S. Nancy!

Saturday, August 18th - 7:00pm - Historical Battle Having successfully staled the American advance hours earlier and believing that the Nancy's hiding place is still safe, Lt. Worsley was unaware that the tall masts of his ship had been spotted by American troops during the day battle and a full scale American assault was being planned to capture his ship. Lt. Worsley did all he could to defend her from the American onslaught. Badly outnumbered the Nancy was destroyed in battle, though its defenders escaped upstream to fight another day.

Avenging the Nancy!

Sunday, August 19th - 2:00pm - Fictional The Americans having obtained their objective in destroying the Nancy, have left behind two small ships and crew to guard the mouth of the Nottawasaga River. Lt. Worsley having re-supplied rowboats with goods and ammunition from an upstream depot; must first clear the way for his rowboats to safely pass and re-supply besieged Fort Michilimackinac. Forcing the Americans to once again land and fight, Lt. Worsley will have the final taste of victory as British cold steel and Native support save the day! For public information, media pictures and schedules for daily activities and musical entertainment contact the following:

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

We would also like to thank all our other great supporters and partners who help make this event possible.

Wasaga under Siege – Entertainment

Wasaga under Siege Entertainment Presented by:

Zoom Daddy’s

The 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.

Laura Ingersoll Secord - Pauline Grondin

Laura Ingersoll Secord was a resident of Queenston and heroine of Upper Canada during the War of 1812 who help save her country from the enemy in 1813. Pauline a professional storyteller, heritage performer and historical interpreter who has been telling stories and making music all of her life. Following her French Canadian and Irish roots, Pauline's storytelling has delighted audiences of all ages in Canada, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. In the oral tradition of storytelling she presents a potpourri of stories, legends and myths, many of them self-penned and told in first person. Pauline took her love of storytelling one-step further to include living history presentations. Dressed in period clothing she will take you back to yesteryear to share tales of the early settlers who planted their roots firmly in Canadian soil through adventure, hardship and joy.

Dr. Quimby (Medicine Man)

Meet Dr. Phineus P. Quimby, medical wizard. Marvel at his Medicine Show as he demonstrates his prestidigitation to awe and inspire. Sample his potent elixir - sweet enough to cure all ills or to pour over your pancakes! "Dr. Phineus Parkhurst Quimby, your most humble and obedient servant, is pleased to inform all and sundry who are attentive to this missive that his practice of "Miraculum Medicosity" with its attendant display of prestidigitation to inspire awe and wonder will be presented for three days at Nancy Island Historic Site. Phrenological readings and circumlocutory dispensations are a specialty! Don't miss this tongue twister of a performance, and perhaps purchase a particularly poignant product presented to preclude precarious living.

19th Century Military Surgeon

If 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 & Singing

The 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 Show

Sutler 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.

Shaymus the Story Teller - Doug Robinson

Shaymus the storyteller is an amateur historian and life-long entertainer from Chatham, Ontario. Doug draws on the age-old minstrel/jester traditions by sharing his love of history through entertainment. For the past several years, Doug has been focusing on Canadian history, specifically the War of 1812 and U.E.L. Settlers.

Candle Making

Visitors 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 Demonstrations

Nancy 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 Demonstrations

Nancy 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.

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