By MATT LINDSEY

OGDENSBURG -- History comes to life in the range of 18th-century daily activities from the preparation of meals to battles on land and water during the 16th Annual Founder’s Weekend July 18-19.

“Founder’s Weekend has traditionally kicked off the Ogdensburg Seaway Festival…it is an economic driver for the city, with an estimated $200,000 economic impact each year,” said Barbara O’Keefe, president of the Association. “Hundreds of areas around the state are looking to tourism more and more as economic development as other industry continues to decline. Tourism ranks as the No. 2 industry in the state, is the fourth largest employer, and brought in more than $69 billion in 2013, according to The Business Council.”

The Fort de la Présentation Association received A $5,000 grant from New York Council for the Humanities, which will be used for performers, demonstrators, and speakers.

“We are very excited to receive the grant and put it to good use to bring history to life for attendees to the Founder’s Weekend,” O’Keefe said. “We have a great line-up this year, which will enrich the reenactment.”

Medical care and blacksmithing, fife and drums, spinning and quilting are some of the activities visitors may encounter.

Founder’s Weekend re-enactment and colonial trade fair is a commemoration of Ogdensburg’s French colonial roots and tribute to the founding of Fort de La Présentation in 1749 through to the end of the French period in 1760 with the Battle of the Thousand Islands, which was the last battle of the French and Indian War. The action-packed weekend attracts a range of re-enactors from Canada and the United States.

Soldiers in bright uniforms drill and patrol their camps against enemy incursion. Skirmishes pop up throughout the day, and there are morning clashes on the river and afternoon battles on land. Visitors can watch the battle from bleachers.

“We attend a few reenactments each year and can pick and choose where we go. Our decisions is based on historical significance and if we feel appreciated by the planners and community,” said James Parillo, a re-enactor for 25 years, from Greenwich, and veteran of the Founder’s Weekend since 2006. “The planning committee goes out of its way to make us feel welcome and appreciated. That really makes this one stand out. It's also the place where I met my wife (Kristen Rogers), so it means a little more to me. For me, it's a special place and one I like to support.”

Included in this year’s demonstration line-up is a returning performer, Linda Russell, balladeer. She will lead the audience on a historic journey through colonial New France. Her musical performances of actual songs from the period are punctuated with anecdotes and facts from primary source material. She performs on guitar, mountain and hammered dulcimer, penny whistle and limberjack.

“We are very honored and lucky to have Ms. Russell with again this year,” said O’Keefe. “Without grants like this we would have a more difficult time attracting high caliber talent.”

Joining. Russell will be Marty Snye, who has been a blacksmith for 30 years and a tin smith for 10 years. He will have his forge to demonstrate blacksmithing and also make items from tin. To appeal to youngsters he will do a hands-on activity making cookie cutters using traditional patterns.

George Cherepon has been doing English country dancing for 9 years. His partner will call some dances in French. They will be accompanied by “Quite Carry Away” an ensemble of flute, recorder and keyboard. There will be an afternoon demonstration to prepare for the free Saturday evening ball at the Freight House at 7:30 pm.

Native and historical journalist, Darren Bonaparte, will offer a glimpse into history with a recreated 18th century treaty council, complete with 18 wampum belt reproductions that tell the story of the Mohawk Nation.

Sue Ellen Herne will introduce Iroquois songs and dance. The songs are social songs, often named for birds and animals that have distinct dance steps that are fun and educational for all.

A presentation depicting civilian life in the 18th Century, especially relating to schooling, play and cultural aspects involving children will be presented by Marilee Urbanczyk. Presentations include clothing, dame school, and toys and games.

A demonstration on preparation and cooking of typical daily meals eaten by 18th Century French soldiers will be presented by Debbie Murray and Karen Katzman. They have a combined 43 years of re-enacting experience.

Jack Frost will talk in-depth about the 18th century tactical weapons as well as uniforms and military tactics. Frost will provide a blow-by-blow account of the battle re-enactment of Fort de la Presentation and Fort Levis during the Battle of the 1,000 Islands. Also included is a manned static display of historically and architecturally correct models of 18th century military fortifications that the public may view at their leisure.

The association continues to wait to break ground for the Fort and a Visitors’ Center.

An association representative will speak to the Ogdensburg City Council Monday, July 22 at 7 p.m., about the interpretive trail planned for VanRenssalaer Point. The Association received $360,000 in grants from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Presentation to assist with funding of the project.

"The city was not built in a day, or even a decade," said O'Keefe. "Even other forts around the State and the Northeast were re-built with a lot of financing from private donors and public financing. There are a lot more regulations now to building public buildings, even if it is going to be an 'old fort' it will cost millions to build."

Admission is $7 for adults, $2 for ages 7-12 and free for kids six and under.

The schedule for Saturday is as follows: gates open, 10 a.m.; colonial trade demonstrations, 10:30 a.m.-all day; water battles begin, 11 a.m.; Linda Russell, balladeer; synopsis of French and Indian War w/ Jack Frost, 1 p.m.; land battle begins, 1:30 p.m.; Wampum belts and Treaty Council w/ Darren Bonaparte, 2 p.m.; children’s muster, 2:30 p.m.; English country dance demo, 4 p.m.; gates close, 5 p.m.; English county ball, Freight House, free, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday’s schedule is: Mass, Lighthouse Point, bring own chair, rain location Notre Dame Church, 7:30 a.m.; gates open, 10 a.m.; children’s muster and colonial demonstrations, 10:30 a.m.-all day; water battle, 11 a.m.; Linda Russell, balladeer; songs and tales of the Iroquois w/ Sue Herne, noon; synopsis of French and Indian War w/ Jack Frost, 1 p.m.; land battle, 1:30 p.m.; gates close, 2:30 p.m.