OGDENSBURG – The redcoats with muskets and artillery invade Ogdensburg Feb. 22-23, returning for the 30th year to clash with American troops during the reenactment of the War of 1812 Battle of Ogdensburg.

In addition two battle reenactments, music from the era and discussions with local author John Austin, DeKalb are also planned.

The reenactments will take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday downtown and 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Lighthouse Point, also known as Van Rensselaer Point.

Events begin Feb. 22 at the Ogdensburg Public Library, 303 Washington St., at 10 a.m. with “St. Lawrence County in the War of 1812” author John Austin, children’s programs, colonial toys and games.

Austin, a retired teacher, is a member of the St. Lawrence County Historical Society.

"Thanks to the library, families have a cozy haven of entertaining fun before and after the 1:30 p.m. Saturday street battle," said Tim Cryderman, president of Forsyth’s Rifles, whose members will be participating in the reenactments.

Soldiers will fill the City streets at 1:30 p.m. Saturday to reenact the battles that occurred in 1812.

Following the 1:30 p.m. action through downtown streets, young and old can warm up in the library at 3 p.m. to listen to a concert of songs from the War of 1812.

Musician Dave Ruch, historian, comedian and folklorist has prepared song material from little known songbooks, diaries and old recordings for the event.

In the evening, the Winter Ball of English Country-Dance is free to all at the AmVets, 215 Ford St., at 7:30 p.m.

"Sunday morning I encourage folks to come to a wreathe-laying ceremony at the Ogdensburg Cemetery," said Cryderman.

At 10:30 a.m. Forsyth’s Rifles will honor Sheriff York at his graveside.

"York was the man a British officer declared too brave to kill because at the Feb. 22, 1813 Battle of Ogdensburg he alone manned an artillery piece when his men died or fled in the face of the redcoats and their bayonets,” Cryderman said.

Sunday afternoon the action moves to Van Rensselaer Point as the finale of the battle is played out at 1:30 p.m. when Forsyth’s Rifles withdraw to Sacket’s Harbor.

The Sunday battle on Van Rensselaer Point is re-enacted on property owned by the Fort La Présentation Association.

For information, contact Tim at 528-2817.