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Citizens of Scottish descent and those interested in Scottish history are invited to attend the second annual Scots-Jacobite Weekend at Old Fort Ontario Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31. The unique event will feature demonstrations of 18th century Scottish life, historic weapons drills, open fire-pit cooking, battle recreations, games, music, colorful period clothing, tents, and some first person interpretation.
Public hours on Saturday and Sunday are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission will be charged. Friends of Fort Ontario will be admitted free.
“Historical re-enactors portraying notable figures of the Jacobite uprising of 1745 – 1746 will recreate the landing of Prince Charles Edward Stuart – ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie,’ who sailed from France to Glenfinnan, Scotland, in July 1745,” said Fort Ontario site director Paul Lear. “The ‘Prince’ will once again rally the Highland Clans, raise an army, and attempt to restore his father, King James III and VIII to his rightful place on the throne of Great Britain.”
On Saturday morning around 11:45 a.m. the tall ship OMF Ontario will carry the Prince to Oswego Harbor and a small boat will transport him to the shore below the fort.
Battle reenactments will include the failed Jacobite attack on Ruthven Barracks in the northern Highlands of Scotland on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m., and a successful storming of the British outpost at Fort Inversnaid on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Each battle will include an assault on the fort with sword, musket, and cannon.
Another highlight of the weekend will be Highland Games on Saturday at 4 p.m. A detailed schedule of activities will be listed on the Friends of Fort Ontario Web site at www.fortontario.com.
Visitors are invited to bring a picnic lunch and spend the day learning about 18th century Scottish culture.
The Scots-Jacobite event is co-sponsored by King Arthur’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant, the Friends of Fort Ontario, and New York State Parks. Fort Ontario State Historic Site is one of six historic sites and 18 parks in the Central Region administered by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Carol Ash – Commissioner.
For more information on NYS Parks visit the agency Web site at www.nysparks.com, or contact Paul Lear at 315-343-4711.
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