200th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS COMMEMORATION AND REENACTMENT October 12-14, 2012 A Bi-National All-Volunteer Organized Event U.S. forces are invited to camp in Lewiston, NY (Academy Park, 9th and Center Streets)
REENACTOR INFORMATION FOR U.S. FORCES
This information page is for American reenactors interested in camping in Lewiston, NY. Online registration will be available soon. Meantime, interested units are encouraged to call 716-754-8414 to get on the contact list for event updates and announcements.
- All participants will be required to sign a volunteer service agreement, liability waiver and photo release. Early arrivals will sign in on Thursday to receive their bounties on Saturday evening.
- Horses will not be part of the U.S. side event.
Highlights You Should Know
- Cash bounties of $50 each will be paid to the first 120 reenactors (men and women who have military/period clothing) who sign-in on Thursday, October 11, 2012, and are ready for Education Day the next morning starting at 9am, Friday, October 12. (Bounties will be distributed Saturday evening between 7-9pm.)
- Reenactors will be reimbursed an additional $20 for powder expenses if they bring a working musket.
- The first 120 reenactors will also receive a free challenge coin, commemorating the Battle of Queenston Heights. You can see an image of the coin here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/60878877@N03/6818129355/
- Free food and drink will be available to reenactors during the entire duration of the event, from Thursday evening (Oct. 11) to Sunday noon (Oct. 14) in the Reenactors Hospitality tent. (Saturday lunch will be a complimentary BBQ in Queenston, Ontario, for those reenactors who choose to participate in the battle that afternoon.) We will have a complimentary pig roast on Saturday evening back in Lewiston, along with food for all tastes and diets.
- This is a bi-national event and free bus transportation will be provided to and from the Battle reenactment in Queenston Heights, Ontario. (You must have a valid passport or enhanced driver's license to cross the border.) Buses will be leaving the U.S. encampment late morning on Saturday (Oct. 13) and returning approximately 6pm the same day. We expect a relatively easy and quick passage.
- A dramatic bombardment of Canada will take place Friday evening (Oct. 12). If you have large period cannons (preferably 6 pounders or 5-1/2 inch howitzers) that you can bring to the event, please let us know. We will reimburse transportation costs and provide powder on-site for approved cannons.
Water, Firewood, Straw
Water, dry firewood and straw, will be available near the Hospitality tent.
Hot Showers!
We have rented two motel rooms within a short 5 minute walking distance from the encampment. Reenactors can reserve a shower/room for one hour by signing the room reservation sheet in the Hospitality tent, where the room keys will be kept. Clean towels will be provided. Please put your used towels in the hamper and leave the room in good condition.
Site maintenance/Housekeeping
A trash bag will be distributed to each participant during registration. On Sunday afternoon, please clean your area, tie up the bag and leave it at your campsite. We appreciate your assistance in keeping the grounds clean and tidy.
Free Bus Transportation to and from Canada
We will provide you free bus transportation to and from Canada for the actual Battle reenactment that takes place in Queenston, Ontario on Saturday, Oct. 13. The trip should take about 30 minutes. We don't anticipate any significant hold ups. Customs officials on both sides of the border are expecting us and will be ready to process our buses quickly. In order to board the bus at the U.S. camp, you must have a passport, passport card or an enhanced U.S. driver's license. It would be helpful you brougth a certificate of personal effects to demonstrate to Canadian customs that you own your musket/rile.
Do NOT bring pistols of any kind to this event (NY State law). Flintlock muskets and rifles are exempt from Canadian regulations as far as having to register them at the border. They still have to be reported to Customs but there should not be any problem. Muzzleloading artillery is also exempt and should cross into Canada without a problem. Powder should be in made up cartridges for your muskets.
Documentation Requirements
Important: Bring a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license, if plan on participating in the reenactment of the Battle of Queenston Heights in Queenston, Ontario. We will provide free bus transportation back and forth across the border, and with proper documentation, should be clear sailing for everyone.
Local Accommodations
If you are not camping, Lewiston has a large hotel, a motel, and several B&B's within a short distance of the park. There is also an KOA campground in town. You can go this page to see the various locations: http://historiclewiston.org/accomm.html
Conveniently Located
Lewiston is thriving village and there are numerous stores and shops within walking distance, if not right across the street from the park, including a hardware store, beer/liquor stores, a pub, gas stations, restaurants, CVS drugstore, post office, Subway, ice cream/custard shop, and a large supermarket.
Restrooms
We will have portable toilets set up for use by reenactors only. (The public and students will have separate facilities.)
Parking
The entire park is surrounded by diagonal parking spaces, so you will be able to park very close to your actual campsite. There are about 100 free spaces immediately adjacent to the camp, many of which will be reserved for reenactor parking. This doesn't count free parking on the local streets. We suggest you park on South 9th Street or Cayuga Street, which border the park.
No Bullets or Live Projectiles
No bullets or live projectiles are permitted at this event. Spectators may not discharge weapons. Firing must be done under controlled conditions. Do not point any firearms at visitors. Proper supervision must be provided for powder stores and firearms.
Black Powder Rules and Safety
We have contracted with Fort Niagara to provide the black powder safety plan and implementation. Please follow their instructions and orders as they patrol the event. Powder must be kept in appropriate containers and stored at a safe distance from campfires. Please advise event volunteers of any safety concerns, including problem visitors or unregistered reenactors or vendors. All safety considerations applicable to safe handling and use of firearms are to be followed for the event. This applies to all muzzleloaders, black powder, and artillery and other modern weapons. Sharp and pointed weapons such as knives, bayonets, swords and pikes are to be maintained under safe control and not allowed into spectator's hands or access.
Campfires
Fires are permitted in designated areas and free firewood will be available. Fires must be attended at all times. Ample water or a fire extinguisher must be readily available in the immediate area of each campfire. Before breaking camp, all fires must be completely extinguished. Completely drench campfire, remove ash and coals and replace sod. Take only as much firewood as you will need for each day. All unused firewood must be re-stacked in the area where it was obtained.
Alcoholic beverages
No alcoholic beverages may be visible or consumed on the site until camp closes for the day. No drinking during reenactments. Under no circumstances may minors be allowed to consume alcoholic beverages. Children must be under the supervision of an adult at all times.
Emergencies
Should an emergency arise, please call 911 and contact event volunteers. Local Lewiston Police will be patrolling the event site, and an ambulance service is nearby. A fully staffed and well equipped hospital emergency room is 5 minutes away (Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Military Road, Lewiston.)
Professional Conduct
Re-enactors and other participants are asked to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner. Participants are asked to exhibit respect for the site, the event, visitors and their fellow participants. Unit Commanders and the on-site Commander will assume responsibility for individual compliance with this regulation.
Weather
The weather is totally unpredictable for this time of year. It could be 70 and sunny, or 35 and windy. The average daytime temperature is 60. Nights can be chilly, so we suggest you bring appropriate coverings. The Hospitality tent will be heated.
Security
We will have security and local police monitoring the campsite, especially while reenactors are on the Canadian side on Saturday.
Contact Information:
Lee Simonson, Volunteer Director
716-754-8414
email: editor (at) historiclewiston.org
Bruce Sutherland, Volunteer Camp Operations Director
716-940-3118 (cell phone)
Reenactors looking for information on events in Canada are invited to call: 905-468-6621
http://www.visit1812.com/events/queenston-registration.html
http://www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca
Email: ffg@computan.on.ca
