History Weekend takes place Aug. 2-4 at Presqu'ile Provincial Park in Brighton, Ontario

(News Release)

Presqu’ile Provincial Park, home of the Presqu’ile Lighthouse, an historic landmark for Brighton and Northumberland County, is ready to celebrate History Weekend: Aug 2-4^th/2013

Before becoming a Park in 1922, the Presqu’ile peninsula was used by many different groups of people – soldiers during the War of 1812, rumrunners during prohibition, pioneers, ship builders, pirates and cottagers.

It was even destined to become an important city in Upper Canada before the sinking of the schooner “Speedy”.  Now you can relive Presqu’ile’s storied past by participating in the many fun events offered throughout History Weekend.

On Friday Aug 2^nd at 10am it will be a chance for the kids to see what Pioneer Games were all about.

Bring the family out on Saturday August 3^rd and enjoy a War of 1812 mini muster program and come join a guided tour around our infamous lighthouse.  Experience a 1900s picnic, with all the traditional field games – three-legged, sack and wheelbarrow races, egg toss and tug of war.  Get ready for the regatta on Sunday and make your very own boat.  On Saturday evening Presqu’ile relives the dancing era – all or them – The Charleston and Lindy Hop to Ganga, get your dancing shoes on. In addition, the Friends of Presqu’ile will once again be putting on a social BBQ at 11am.

Sunday August 4^th starts out with a bang when the 1812 re-enactors repel an American raid at 11AM.  Get that boat you built Saturday and join in the Calthumpian parade down to the site of our 2013 edition of the Presqu’ile Regatta. 

You can’t miss what is planned for Sunday night.  Starting at 7:45pm, Brighton’s own Peter Solmes will serenade the crowd with songs of Presqu’ile Park.  At 8:30pm there is the haunting Ghost Walk; join us as we delve into the history of Presqu’ile and talk to those that were actually there!

For more details on Presqu’ile’s annual History Weekend, pick up an activity schedule at the park gate or check out the Friends of Presqu’ile website or call Presqu’ile Provincial Park at 613-475-4324 ext 225.  Regular park admission fees apply.

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History Weekend

at Presqu’ile Provincial Park

Come relive Presqu’ile’s storied past!

THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

Daily 10am to 5pm       Marine History and Special History Weekend Exhibit 

Lighthouse Centre

Come see our exciting exhibit about the sinking of the Speedy, the scale model of the Lighthouse, our talking mannequin, Jack Atkins and our treasure chest filled with intriguing historic artifacts.  Don’t forget to test out your knot tying skills! 

Daily 10am to 4pm       Natural History Exhibits  Nature Centre

Are you fond of fish, frogs, turtles and snakes?  If so, check out the Nature Centre and the live specimens of many native species that call Presqu’ile home.

FRIDAY August 2^nd   

10:00am        Children’s Program: Pioneer Kids Lighthouse Centre

Discover the different games pioneer children played, after they were done their chores!

2:00-4:00pm  Ask the Interpreter: Presqu’ile Hotel  Lighthouse Centre

SATURDAY AUGUST 3^rd

10:00am-11:00am        War of 1812 Demonstration: Mini Muster  Lighthouse Centre

Come see what life was like in a soldier’s camp during the war of 1812. Join in the mini militia to test your musket skills

11:00pm-1:30pm          Friends of Presqu’ile Social  Behind the Amphitheatre

Join the Friends of Presqu’ile for some mouth-watering burgers and hotdogs and some thirst-quenching refreshments. 

1:00-3:00pm                Old-Fashion Fun & Games  Field across from Amphitheatre

Come one come all to Presqu’ile’s fun and games. Come watch our many activities and enjoy our many games like potato sac races, three-legged races, wheel barrow races and croquet.

3:30pm-4:30pm            Masquerade Masks Amphitheatre    

Come create a masterpiece, like once worn in the masquerade balls at Presqu’ile.  You will have a chance to show-off your mask next day at our own History Weekend Calthumpian Parade.        

3:30pm-4:30pm            Children’s boat building bee Amphitheatre

You will create vessels similar to those used in the Presqu’ile – Rochester Regatta’s. Boats will be put to the sailing test next day at the regatta.

4:00pm Lighthouse Walking Tours  Lighthouse Centre

Take a journey back in time on this walk around the lighthouse.

7:30pm-8:30pm            Quick’s Pleasure Place’s Dance Through the Eras  Amphitheatre

Come and enjoy the re-creation of Presqu’ile’s own Dance Pavilion: Quick’s Pleasure Palace!  We will be taking a journey through dances of different eras, so make sure you bring your dancing shoes!

SUNDAY AUGUST 4th

11:00am -12:00pm       War of 1812 Demonstration  Field Across from Amphitheatre

Come see the ENSS drill team re-enact an 1812 skirmish.   American raiders are rumoured to be attacking a British supply post.  How will it end?  Come see the action.

           

2:00pm-2:30pm            Calthumpian Parade  Campfire field to Chatterton Point

Bring your pots and pans, noisemakers and voices as we journey through the campgrounds.  There will be prizes for the best costumes and noisiest people!  The Calthumpian Parade will end at the Regatta location. 

2:30pm – 3:30pm         Presqu’ile Regatta  Chatterton Point

This regatta will test the seaworthiness of the boats made yesterday. Come out to cheer on your favourite.

4:00pm Lighthouse Walking Tours  Lighthouse Centre

Take a journey back in time on this walk around the lighthouse.

7:45pm – 8:30pm         Peter Solmes  Amphitheatre

Join Peter Solmes as he serenades the crowd with his lovely ballads of Presqu’ile and other outdoor adventures. 

8:30pm             Ghost Stories of Presqu’ile  Amphitheatre

We have invited a very special guest, to recount the many Ghost stories of Presqu’ile’s past!  Join us for a stroll down memory lane and see how many spirits we can find roaming the point at night!