OGDENSBURG -- The War of 1812 bicentennial is a big deal in Canada, and our neighbors in Prescott, Ontario, will kick off their commemorations May 19-21 at Fort Wellington.

In the spirit of international cooperation members of the Fort La Présentation Association and Forsyth’s Rifles will be there to support the Garrison Weekend Re-enactment.

“In the community of War of 1812 re-enactors, there has been a cross-border exchange for nearly 20 years,” said Forsyth’s Vice President Tim Cryderman. “We look forward to re-enacting battles on the Canadian side to mark 200 years of friendship.”

Re-enactors from Canada and the United States portraying British and American soldiers will set up separate camps on the fort grounds. Civilian heritage interpreters will have their own demonstration area.

“I am really looking forward to exploring the new Fort Wellington Interpretation Center,” said Barbara O’Keefe, President of the Fort Association. “We plan to build a similar structure on Lighthouse Point, so I want to take in as much information and as many ideas as I can during my visit.”

The remains of the 1812-era gunboat Radcliffe are the centerpiece of the new interpretive center. Mr. Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, will officially open the interpretive center at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19.

The weekend promises a number of activities: soldiers living in the blockhouse barracks; historic weapons demonstrations; battle re-enactments; and Saturday beginning at dusk, a fiery artillery demonstration followed by spectacular fireworks.

The three-day event will be the biggest celebration in Prescott since the town’s own bicentennial events in 2010.