Media Release
For Immediate Release
Take a journey to 1812
at the Festival at Fort Willow, Sept. 29, 2018
Springwater Township, ON (September 17, 2018) – Take a journey back in time at the Festival at Fort Willow on Saturday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
Fort Willow Conservation Area at 2714 Grenfel Road, Minesing, in Springwater Township.
Historical re-enactors will bring to life the daily activities of British soldiers, camp followers and indigenous people living in Simcoe County in the early 19th century. Visitors can muster-up and march in the King’s army, learn about traditional blacksmithing, carpentry and candle making, and listen to the cannons roar. The Simcoe County Museum, Barrie Art Club, wandering minstrels and cavalry will add to the festivities.
The Friends of Historic Fort Willow, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Township of Springwater and Rotary Club of Barrie are proud to host this event, which celebrates the significance of Fort Willow in the history of our nation.
Admission is free. Artisan crafts will be available for sale (cash only).
Visitors are reminded that there is no parking at Fort Willow. Free parking and shuttle bus to-and-from the site are available at the Grenfel Community Hall at 1989 Sunnidale Road.
For more information on the Festival at Fort Willow, visit
fortwillow.nvca.on.ca.
This year, the festival is pleased to be part of
Doors Open Simcoe County. Each year, communities across Ontario take part in the Doors Open program, which provides free access to cultural and heritage locations. On September 29, more than 50 sites across Simcoe County, including Fort Willow and the festival, will be open, showcasing the best of the area's history.
Fort Willow is recognized as both a national and provincial historic site. Established at the half-way point between Kempenfelt Bay and the Nottawasaga River, the Fort enabled a continuous trade and transportation route from Lake Ontario through to Georgian Bay. During the War of 1812, the British military used the fort as a strategic supply depot along the Nine Mile Portage route at a time when the lower lakes were occupied by the Americans.
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Photo: History comes alive at the Festival at Fort Willow, held Saturday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Willow Conservation Area in Springwater (photo courtesy of Mike Breslin, 2017).
About the NVCA: The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority is a public agency dedicated to the preservation of a healthy environment through specialized programs to protect, conserve and enhance our water, wetlands, forests and lands. www.nvca.on.ca
About the Friends of Historic Fort Willow: The Friends of Historic Fort Willow are volunteers working to preserve the original site and its reconstructed features and promote the historical, educational and recreational activities happening at the fort. fortwillow.nvca.on.ca
About the Township of Springwater: Springwater is a municipality of approximately 19,000 residents located in the heart of Simcoe County. Springwater Township is home to the second largest concentration of County Forests and is a popular destination for outdoor activities in all four seasons. www.springwater.ca
About the Rotary Club: The Rotary Club of Barrie has been an enthusiastic supporter of the NVCA. Rotary’s participation in the Festival at Fort Willow stared with the first festival, and they are pleased to continue their involvement. Proceeds from the sale of food and beverages at the event are donated to the Friends of Fort Willow to assist with their restoration efforts. To date more than $15,000 has been raised.
