Harper Government Invests in Commemoration of the War of 1812

SPENCERVILLE, On, March 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Local artists, artisans, and performers will bring history to life at the Spencerville Mill's Bicentennial Heritage Fair, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds-Grenville), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Spencerville Mill Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to the historic preservation and interpretation of the Spencerville Mill and the history of the local community, will present its Heritage Fair from June 1to 3, 2012. This year's fair celebrates not only the construction of the Spencerville Mill, but also the War of 1812. Audiences will go back in time through music and dance performances, historical craft demonstrations, War of 1812 historical battle re-enactments, and local history talks and workshops.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations that support local festivals, like the Spencerville Mill Foundation," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these organizations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support arts, culture, and heritage."

"Events like the Spencerville Mill's Bicentennial Heritage Fair provide a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to come together and enjoy the festivities while learning about the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, a defining moment in our country's history," said Mr. Brown. "This investment will enable local artists, artisans, and performers to share the story of their local heritage with their community."

"The Spencerville Mill is thrilled to have this level of support for the Heritage Fair," said Alicia Wanless, Marketing Director, Spencerville Mill Foundation. "As a community, we are developing a unique heritage experience, through which we plan to support local craftspeople, community service groups, businesses and tourism, by creating a three-day-long historic flash mob that will interact with visitors and bring the past to life."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $78,100 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.

Full text and contact info can be found here http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/933669/harper-government-invests-in-commemoration-of-the-war-of-1812

Canadians and the Other War of 1812: 1812 Dinner Series with Major Grodzinski Canadians have been pretty focused on their own War of 1812 as of late, with the bicentennial fast approaching.  In Europe it’s a different war of the same name that has everyone talking – the War of 1812 that inspired an overture.

But did you know that Canadians fought in both 1812 wars?

Join Major John R. Grodzinski of the Royal Military College on Sunday, January 21, 2012 on an historical odyssey covering the battle of Waterloo, perhaps history’s most famous battle.

Using the lavish 1970 epic by Russian filmmaker Sergei Bondarchuck as a backdrop to his talk, Major Grodzinski will provide a brief overview of the Waterloo campaign, including the stories of several Canadians who fought in the battle, and examine the challenges and pitfalls of depicting history in film with references to the movie depicting Napoleon’s return to France and the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball, which was held on the eve of the campaign.

In Bondarchuck’s pre-CGI treatment of the 100 day campaign, over 16,000 Soviet soldiers were trained in 1815 style weapons drill and tactics, and represented the French, British, Dutch and German combatants. The cast included Rod Steiger as Napoleon, while Canadian Christopher Plummer played the Duke of Wellington. Everything about this film is spectacular.

Major John R. Grodzinski’s talk is part of the 1812 Dinner Series regularly hosted by the Spencerville Mill at the Red George Pub in Prescott. Join us for dinner or a drink, but be sure to reserve your space in advance – as there are only 20 spaces available.

Call the Red George at +1.613.925.8800 to save your place or visit www.celebrate1812.ca for more information.

For Immediate Release.

After a hard-fought battle on Facebook this week, the Spencerville Mill has finally determined the winners of the Heritage Fair Costume Competition. With initial categories for best dressed Man, Woman, and Business, an additional category was added for one special young man.

Best Dressed Man

The winner for Best Dressed Man, despite serious competition from such illustrious personages as the township's Mayor, was Mr. Michael Berk.

Sporting a custom-made period three-piece outfit, Mr. Berk scored 22 "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page. As winner of the Men's competition, he will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to Watt's Small Engines in Spencerville.

Best Dressed Woman

In another tight race, event volunteer Cheryl Robertson narrowly won the Best Dressed Woman category for her home made costume. Mrs. Robertson very creatively altered modern clothes to appear as period dress.

For her efforts, Mrs. Robertson earned 10 "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page, beating her nearest competitor by just one vote. As winner of the Women's competition, she will be awarded a $100 gift certificate to Willow Wheat Spa in Spencerville.

Best Dressed Business

Businesses in the village were invited to dress up - owners as well as employees. To the business that brought history most to life mention will be made in the Spencerville Mill's July calendar, published in both the EMC and Prescott Journal. The total value of the prize is approximately $120.

Rolande Theriault, owner of Seasonal Expressions, beat her nearest competitor, Carmichael's Horse & Carriage Furniture, with nine "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page.

Best Dressed Youth

While there had initially been no youth category, one was created largely due to the following entry. Sylas Courage, the sole representative of his Scout troupe, entertained the crowds at the Spencerville's Sedentary Militia Muster Role sponsored by Rainsoft.

For his creative costume and willingness to participate, Sylas earned five "likes" on the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page and will be awarded a $50 gift certificate to the Village Pantry in Spencerville.

The Spencerville Mill Foundation would like to thank all entrants in the competition. With 25 official entrants and many more dressed up over the weekend, it was certainly a great first year for the Heritage Fair.

Sponsors for next year's prizes are already being sought to make the competition that much stronger in celebration of the Mill's Bicentennial in 2012. Likewise, a series of workshops are being planned to encourage everyone's participation. For more information, please contact the Mill.  To see more pictures from the competition please visit the Spencerville Mill's Facebook page.

As part of our Antiques Appraisal Fair on June 4, 2011, HomeStars.com is helping the Mill raise money.

Write a review on any home renovation specialist before June 7, 2012, and HomeStars will donate $10 for every testimonial published to their website.

Funds raised will be contributed to the ongoing restoration of the Mill. We are currently restoring the upper story, which when complete will be re-opened in time for our Regency Ball to market our bicentennial in 2012.