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.

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.

Heritage Fair events will include the Rainsoft Militia Muster Roll, where historical interpreters from the Brockville Infantry Company and Johnstown Gun Crew will lead local men on what would have been an annual event. Men are requested to bring their own weapons and line up for 2PM on Saturday, June 4.

Several well-known antiques appraisers will be present at the Antiques Appraisal Fair from 10-4 on Saturday, June 4. The cost is $10 per item appraised, with all proceeds going to the Spencerville Mill Foundation.

The Antiques Appraisal Fair will be held in the Mill Garden. HomeStars.com will also be present, helping take reviews on contractors. For every review added, HomeStars will donate $10 to the Mill.

Enjoy two performances and a great meal for just $30 per person at the Roast Dinner, featuring music by Sage Brush Country, and the Country Dance with live music by Riverthieves. Both events will take place on the Saturday. Tickets can be purchased online at www.spencervillemill.ca, at the Village Pantry or (if feeling lucky) at the door.

Among other entertainment include a Historic Market, a Victorian Tea with an appearance by Sir John A. Macdonald, and Carriage Rides.

The Heritage Fair is expected to become an annual event, with plans to mark the Mill’s bicentennial next year, in addition to commemorating the War of 1812.

For more information on this or other events, log on to: www.spencervillemill.ca

EMC Events - Who says history can't be fun?(Finding out that old hunk o' junk is actually worth something. Taking a pitchfork into the militia muster. Sipping a pint while a bluegrass band plays and your meat is smoked. Or leisurely strolling the historic market.

The Spencerville Mill is offering all these fun things and more on June 4-5, 2011 - only at the Heritage Fair.

One of the highlights will be the Antiques Appraiser Fair June 4. Bring your treasures and curiosities to the Spencerville Mill Garden between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to have them appraised by former "Antiques Roadies".(Appointments are on a first-come first-serve basis. Buy tickets online or pay at the door. For a complete list of appraisers visit the website.

Entertainment will include live and exciting fiddle music of Riverthieves at a true country dance upstairs at the Spencerville Town Hall on Saturday June 4. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person online, or $20 at the door - space is limited!

ENJOY GREAT EATS

With the support of the North Grenville Business Builders, branch restaurant and Beau's Beer, Spencerville will open a spectacular food tent for the Heritage Weekend at the Masonic Lodge.((

For one special night only, the village will host a Roast Dinner where patrons will betreated to the best Bluegrass band this side of Kentucky - Sage Brush Country. Tickets are $20 per person and are available online or at the door - space providing!

EXPERIENCE A VICTORIAN TEA

Attend the Victorian Tea on Sunday, June 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Spencerville Mill garden. A special appearance will be made by Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald and his wife, Agnes. The tea is being generously hosted by the Presbyterian Church.

WANDER THE HISTORIC MARKET

Wander the sprawling historic market outside the Town Hall, where heritage craftspeople and heirloom producers will be selling wares and making scheduled demonstrations. There will also be a petting zoo on the Town Square!

SIT BACK FOR A CARRIAGE RIDE

Enjoy a leisurely ride through the picturesque and historic village of Spencerville. Precious Moments Carriages will delight you with their dappled grey percheron horses and stylish carriage.

MARCH WITH MEN

Hear ye, all local men between the ages of 16 and 70! Consider yourself compelled to appear for the Rainsoft Militia Muster Roll on Saturday, June 4 at 2 p.m. Just like in days bygone, men are to bring their own weapons (pitchforks and sticks will suffice), line up and announce themselves. Sobriety is optional...but paying of dues is not.

Leading the Muster Roll and defending the country will be the Brockville Infantry Company and the Johnstown Gun Crew on Saturday, June 4. Learn from the best and enjoy some cannon and gunfire too!

These and much more await visitors to this year's Heritage Fair. For more information, visit www.spencervillemill.ca/heritage-fair.html.