If You're Looking For Adventure!

US Militia Men recoil after a shot at the British "Redcoats" Photo by Tim /06

The Battle of Longwoods
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Heritage Days Weekend

May 5th & 6th, 2007

We went to this last year and really enjoyed it. Our very good cruise friends Pete and Donna from Orillia Ontario are re-enactors and they told us about it. It's just like going back in time as everything is VERY authentic. They use real guns and cannons. (although they do fire blanks in an attempt to preserve the hobby)

You may not know it, but this area of Canada was part of the United States at one time. This re-enactment depicts the American troops defeating the British and seizing the land. The actual battle took place only a few miles west of the park back on March 4, 1814. Canada, at the time, was only a British colony and didn't formally become a country until 1867, 33 years later. I guess when you think of it, the original difference between a Canadian and an American is only defined by a dotted line on a map determined a relatively short time ago.

Good food too; although the booth on rubber tires is not authentic, the Optimist Club offers back bacon on a bun as well as pancakes and sausage, and the usual hot dogs, burgers and fries. Of course they all taste better outside. (and they serve fries with vinegar, a Canadian standard, since we did finally win).

The setting is extremely beautiful - especially this time of year. I think Longwoods is one of the nicest parks I've seen in Ontario. Let us know if you are coming and maybe we can get together.