John Brant Day celebrates our history and the War of 1812

Summer festivals are always chock full of great entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and local artisans, making them a fun experience for the whole family. And if anyone knows how to make a great summer festival, it’s the Museums of Burlington. Our annual summer events draw huge local area crowds, and offer historical education mixed with family fun. Having already put on a smashing Canada Day Strawberry Social, we are excited to host JohnBrant Day.

Every year on the Civic Holiday, the Museums celebrate the history of one of the city’s founders, Joseph Brant Thayendenaga. Since this year is the 200thAnniversary of the War of 1812, they’ve taken a different approach, focusing on the achievements of John Brant. John Brant was Joseph Brant’s son and an important player in the War of 1812 at the Battle of Queenston Heights, making him the perfect focal point for this year’s festival. In fact you can expect to be able to witness a re-enactment of this battle at John Brant Day complete with War of 1812 historic soldier re-enactors. If you haven't seen something like this before you will be amazed how realistic these guys can make a battle look, smoking guns and all.

The event will have plenty of draw for those with a passion for history. In addition to the battle re-enactments, there will be the chance to experience the life of a soldier with military drills and exercises, a chance to go through a historical militia encampment, Zig Misiak’s Wampum Workshop & 1812 storytelling, the portrayal of Laura Secord and the reenactment of Sir Isaac Brock & John Brant’s meeting (as part of Brock’s Walk that retraces Brock’s historic journey from Fort York to Port Dover in helping save our country). You can check out more about that here

Let’s just say the Museum’s of Burlington know how to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. Thanks to significant funding from Canadian Heritage, the Museums have been able to expand their historic militia and War of 1812 encampment to the largest ever; making this War of 1812 spectacle something you won’t want to miss. 

It doesn’t stop there, though - the Museums' team have worked to create a fun filled day with children’s games, inflatables, live parades and entertainment such as The Teen Tour Band, the musical talents of Hoys Totsy, the Sophisticated Swing Big band Orchestra and Blue Stone Cloud Hoop dancing. If that doesn’t seem like enough, there will also be crafts, artisans and vendors, a silent auction, roaming entertainers, face painting, boat rides, balloon twisting, drum circles and so much more. How we’ve managed to fit so much fun into a single day is beyond me, but you should definitely head down and see for yourself. The best part? Admission is FREE!

Remember, John Brant Day is on the Civic Holiday Monday, August 6th, 2012 from 10:00am to 5:00pm at LaSalle Park. Hope to see you there! Oh, and you can take a shuttle from Aldershot High school if the parking lot is full at LaSalle Park – the shuttle will run regularly all day from 10:00 am until 5:30pm!

For more information contact Sylvia, Special Events Programmer, 905-332-9888 -  hentzs@burlington.ca www.museumsofburlington.com

La Salle Park is located at 50 North Shore Blvd. East (at Waterdown Road)

Guest Blogger

Sylvia Hentz

100 Ways to Celebrate Canada Day at Burlington’s Canada Day Celebrations

Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to not only live in a great city like Burlington (Canada’s 2^nd best place to live!) but to also be a Canadian. This year, Burlington’s Canada Day Celebrations were awarded the Festivals and Events Ontario Top 100 Event award. So in honour of this award winning festival, here are 100 ways to celebrate our great nation’s birthday in our great city:

1. Walk 1km, Run 1km or 5km at 8:30am in the Green Germann Sakran Canada Day 5K
2. Get Zen at 9:30am while practicing yoga with Beth Rutty Yoga (bring your own mat & water bottle)
3. Pledge allegiance to the flag with Canada’s newest citizens at the Citizenship Court at 10am
4. Congratulate a Queen’s Medal winner with Mike Wallace at noon at the Canada Stage
5. Enjoy some delicious corn on the cob from Ontario Corn Roasters
6. Be amused by the Scholars in Collars agility dogs at 12:30pm
7. March to the beat of the Burlington Teen Tour Band as they kick off the Opening Ceremonies at 1pm
8. Get your tickets for the Canadiana Viewing Tent to elevate your event experience
9. Pop across the street to Joseph Brant Museum for Spectacular Shows & Mesmerizing Performances as part of the Strawberry Social
10. Stop by the Tourism Burlington visit centre and find out more about what to see and do in Burlington
11. Paint a ceramic souvenir with Crock A Doodle
12. Sing O Canada with Battle of the Best winner Charissa Pavlou
13. Help the environment and get some exercise by riding your bike to Spencer Smith, you can park it in the MEC Bike Corral
14. Bring a refillable water bottle to use at the refillable water stations and fountains in Spencer Smith Park(save money and be green)
15. Applaud Burlington native Connie Smith, as she MC’s on the Canada Stage East
16. Eat a hot dog, I think that’s a Canada Day requirement
17. Get down with the funky sounds of The Altobeelays
18. Watch the agility dogs from Scholars in Collars catch Frisbees at 2:30
19. Get up close and personal by petting a reptile at the Safari Science booth
20. Show your National pride with a free Canada Day pin from the information booth
21. Learn a new dance step with Creative Edge Dance Studio
22. High Five the busking Mountie (if you can reach!)
23. If you have to drive, car pool (it’s green and makes parking easier)
24. Reach new heights - climb the rock wall on the west lawn
25. Grab a cold drink and relax under the trees
26. Jump in a bouncer in the Boehringer Ingelheim Fun Zone
27. Say hello to the mayor or your councillor
28. Grab some lunch from the Raging Olive in the Food Court in Spencer Smith Park
29. Check out the Water Ski Show at 3:30 and again at 6:30pm
30. Pretend it’s the ‘Summer of ‘69’ and sing along with the Bryan Adams tribute
31. Be green and bring your trash to the Burlington Green Waste Diversion tent for sorting
32. Volunteer before, during, or after the event
33. Visit the K-Lite Community Cruiser while they give updates from the event
34. Grab a cool one in the Aldershot Lions Beer Gardens (but only if you’re of legal drinking age!)
35. Try to resist having a funnel cake...I’m not sure it’s possible
36. Kids (and adults) have some fun playing games with Young Drivers of Canada
37. Dance to the music of pop/R&B artist, Andrea Godin
38. Support a great cause and buy some Girl Guide Cookies
39. Count how many boaters are on the lake
40. Take a walk on the Promenade...with some Cool Lemon lemonade
41. Shop til you drop in the Marketplace
42. Plant a red petunia to take home with the Burlington Liberal Association
43. Get a tattoo (temporary) of a Canadian Flag in the west marketplace
44. Protect yourself and your little ones by wearing sunscreen
45. And a red hat...and a red T-shirt...and red shoes
46. And sunglasses, if you forget your sunglasses, buy red Canada Day sunglasses from the Information Tent
47. Aspiring Eli Manning? Toss a football in the Boehringer Ingelheim Fun Zone
48. Say thank you to an event volunteer
49. Smile for an event photographer
50. See K-Lite’s Aiko Iwashita in person as she emcees the Waterfront Stage West from 1:30 – 7pm
51. Wave a Canadian Flag – you can pick one up at the Information Tent
52. Cool down with an Olympic Softee Ice Cream cone
53. See if the Hockey busker will pass you the puck
54. In Burlington from out of town? Say hello to Tourism Burlington’s friendly travel counsellors at the information tent!
55. Sway to Scott Keo’s Michael Bublé tribute
56.  Leave fido or your other furry friends and pets at home. They’ll be safer, cooler and happier there.
57. Take a walk to Beachway Park and dip your toes in the water
58. Check out the downtown shops and restaurants
59. Check out Charissa Pavlou and her band on the Canada Day Stage at 3pm
60. Stand at the centre of the Compass and hear your voice amplified
61. Learn about the History of the Waterfront at Discovery Landing
62. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at Spencers at the Waterfront restaurant or grab a quick bite at The Bite
63. Use the waterfront viewers and check out the birds on the lake
64. Bring a blanket, or a lawn chair and settle in for the day and night
65. Check out the Naval Monument and honour those who fought for our freedom
66. Stop for a rest at the stone bench donated by our twin city Apeldoorn, Netherlands
67. Be a Burlington Ambassador by welcoming visitors to the 2^nd best place to live in Canada
68. Take our Canada Day shuttle. Hop on the Burlington Transit bus for free or give a small donation.
69. Shimmy and shake to Nightbox
70. Get your face painted with Jack Astor’s in the marketplace
71. In the spirit of Euro Cup, kick a soccer ball with the Burlington Conservative Association
72. Milk a cow with the Dairy Farmers of Canada
73. Strike! Pitch a baseball in the Boehringer Ingelheim Fun Zone
74. Receive a free demo at Anna’s Nail Art
75. Light up the night with It’s Glow Time (toys that light up – how fun!)
76. Get a new ‘pet’ at Walking Pet Balloons
77. Sit down to a delicious meal in the Canadiana Viewing Tent (don’t forget to pre-purchase tickets)
78. Learn a new dance step with Dancers Burlington from 10am – 5pm
79. Pay it forward, wish a stranger a Happy Canada Day
80. Build a Lego creation with E-bots
81. Commemorate the War of 1812 and make a craft with the Museums of Burlington
82. Try the obstacle course with Monkeynastix
83. Save room for a Bloomin’ Onion
84. Shake a paw with the Pet Valu mascot
85. Wave hello to CHCH’s Cristina Tenaglia while she emcees the Canada Stage East from 5:30 – 10pm
86. Rock out to Wavelength, the Rush Tribute
87. Get the best seats in the park for the Water Ski Show in the Canadiana Viewing Tent
88. Visit the Strawberry Social at the Joseph Brant Museum
89. See if Adam Cooke covers your favourite Canadian song at 4:30 pm
90. Slide down the double fun slide in the Boehringer Ingelheim Fun Zone
91. Take in headliner Ashley MacIsaac at 8:30pm for Celtic Rock experience like no other
92. Check out the giant Canada Day Flag on the Canada Stage East
93. Tweet to all your friends to join you at the event @cityburlington #CanadaDay
94. Bring your swimsuit and cool off in the Dofasco Waterjets
95. Get the best seats in the park for the fireworks in the Canadiana Viewing Tent
96. Plan the rest of your summer by picking up a Burlington Events brochure at the information booth
97. Wave to the fire truck on Lakeshore Road & Brant St.
98. Take a photo of you looking patriotic and post it on your facebook page
99. Ewww and awwww and marvel at the Fireworks at 10 pm
100. Be grateful to live in the best country in the world!

Happy Canada Day everyone! I can’t wait to see if I can do everything on this list on Sunday, July 1^st from 10am – 10pm in Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, ON. How about you?

BurlEventGurl

Heritage Day Commemorates War of 1812-14 Bi-Centennial

The Bi-Centennial of the War of 1812-14 is quickly coming upon us.  June is the official start of the 200 years of peace that we are commemorating.  And yes, the commemorations will continue until 2014!  Most of us do not know what the significance of this event means.  I admit, I didn’t either.  But I have been slowly piecing information together, learning from historians, educators and colleagues.  This event was ultimately what has made us Canadians.  It is a big deal!

Imagine what Burlington looked like.  It was 1812!  It did not look anything like it does today, and in fact it was not even called Burlington, at the time.   It was, and is still known as a safe place, a place of trade, a cross roads, a landmark, a resting point and a refuge - a destination for food, shelter, and shared resources.

There were many nations involved in this War.  First Nations peoples, British, Americans, Loyalists and locals were called to duty. This War played a significant role in the shaping of Canada, the United States of America, and Six Nations, and their peoples.  The end of the war marked the beginning of 200 years of peace between our nations.

One of the upcoming events, where you can learn more about how we are Canadians, this War’s events, the people of this location and period of time, is the Burlington Heritage Day event, being held at the Burlington Public Library on Saturday February 4th, 2012.  The theme this year is the War of 1812. 

The day’s seminars include:

·         “War of 1812 and the Six Nations” Zig Misiak, Historical Re-enactor, Native Studies Curriculum Developer

·          “Burlington Connections to the War of 1812-14” Daphne Smith, Museums of Burlington

·          “The Brants in Burlington” Jane Irwin, Burlington Historian

·          “2nd Regiment of the York Militia; researching the men of the Burlington area” Fred Blair, OGS

·         “Everyday life in 1812: medicine, clothing, values” Jim Taggart, Re-enactor

Also at the event, will be a number of interactive displays, educators, historians, volunteers, re-enactors and citizens who are looking to tell Burlington’s story.  They have much to tell!    Admission is free and you’ll learn some interesting stories, just like I have.  Burlington was not the site of large battles, but the War was fought here, just like in many other small towns, farm fields and homes nearby.

Other events, like the Burlington Historical Society - Speaker Series will take place in 2012.  The Burlington Historical Society will commemorate with a 2012 Program that started on January 9, 2012. Zig Misiak was the first speaker in this series.  Zig spoke on "The War of 1812 and the Six Nations."  The speaker Series takes place at the Burlington Central Library. 
Speaker Series:
February 13, 2012: Ruby and Thomas McQueston- Mary Anderson
March 12, 2012: The Burlington Races - Prof. Tom Malcomson
April 9, 2012: William Halton and Halton County - John McDonald
May 14, 2012: The War of 1812
The Burlington Central Library, is also Screening the documentary film: The War of 1812. This PBS documentary explains the roots of the War and its major campaigns and battles Wed Feb 22, 7 pm.

You can learn more about the significant role that the area now known as Burlington, and its local peoples played, by visiting Burlington’s Joseph Brant Museum. Enjoy a tour of the Museum, where you can learn about Joseph Brant, father of John Brant (Ahyouwaighs) who distinguished himself in War of 1812-14 by supporting the British throughout the War of 1812 by participating in the Battle of Queenston Heights and encouraging other members of the Six Nations from along the Grand River to fight the American invaders.  Located on the Burlington’s waterfront, this museum ‘s location is significant as the site where many nations of peoples gathered and met and it is also recognized as a crossroads of traveled routes, by water and land.

And for those planning ahead, Joseph Brant Museum will be honouring John Brant on Monday August 6, 2012, at the annual Joseph Brant Day Festival an annual event held each Labour day Monday at LaSalle Park, Burlington.  If you are interesting in learning more about the War of 1812-14 and looking for an interactive family fun day, add this date to your calendar. 

Did you know that there are many stories, myths and legends mixed in with history as we know it?  For example, there is much controversy about the “Burlington Races”.  The Burlington Races Revisited; A Revised Analysis of an 1813 Naval Battle for Supremacy on Lake Ontario by Robert J. Williamson.  This is a legend, although based on naval facts, and is quite a story!

And, did you know that the Red Geranium will be recognized as the official flower for the Commemoration of War 1812-14?  Wouldn’t it be spectacular to see all of Burlington in Red Geraniums next spring??  Plant your Red Geraniums to commemorate the War of 1812.

Heritage sites, academic, cultural, tourism and community groups from across this geographic territory have been working collaboratively to prepare for this event.  A number of events and initiatives are occurring in 2012-2014 to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812-14.  Watch for more events and information on the Tourism Burlington and the Western Corridor 1812 websites. 

So…you can choose to be an observer, by attending events and learning from the experiences coming up over the next few years, or you can be a participant by getting involved, seeking out sites, plaques, stories from your family’s history or even by promoting the learning of our Canadian History in kids, with your families. 

This commemoration is about being Canadian.  It is about our multi-culturalism and celebrating diversity.  It is about building and celebrating those pathways to peace. 

How will you commemorate War 1812-14?

TourBurl Simone

Canada Day in Canada's 3rd Best City to Live in!

Burlington came down in droves this past Canada Day to show off their national pride in Canada's 3rd best city to live in for the 3rd straight year by Money Sense! Our Summer Travel Counsellors worked alongside City of Burlington's Special Events to help visitors during the festival. Our girls provided information on the celebrations in Spencer Smith Park, Burlington and the area as well as other notable events coming to town!

The day started out warm down on the breezy waterfront. The dogs were prepped for the Purina Dog Show with bandanas, tshirts and even a dog in a bowtie and the Burlington Teen Tour Band was warming up in preparation for the Opening Ceremonies with Mayor Rick Goldring, MPP Mike Wallace and elected members of Burlington council.

Next to the park at the Joseph Brant Museum, the held the annual Strawberry Social where visitors were able to cool off by being served some delicious honey-vanilla ice cream smothered in local strawberries as well as be entertained by live performances and stroll through the local vendors.

As if this wasn't enough, the 2 stages down in Spencer Smith Park had a fabulous line up of live entertainment featuring local Burlington band, Spoons, as the headlining act. As always, Canada Day in Burlington ends with a smashing fireworks display over our picturesque waterfront.

If you missed out on Burlington's Canada Day Celebrations, you're in luck! This weekend, Spencer Smith Park plays host to a new festival, the 1st annual Burlington Country & Blues BBQ - July 8-10. At 4pm on July 9th, they festival is attempting the longest line dance along the promenade so come on down with 'yer cowboy boots and boot-scoot and boogie!