www.ErieShoresEscape.com

 

Wed., March 27, 2019

Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Rd.

7:00 p.m.

A presentation by renowned historical speaker, Peter Twist, talks about the soldiers and life at the Fort in the late 1700's  when it began. Admission $10 or season's ticket. Free parking.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Fort Erie Public Library - Crystal Ridge Branch

Ridge Rd., Ridgeway 

7:00 p.m.

Local author June Chipp launches her latest book, Where the Wild Grape Grows: Images of the Erie Shore. A Powerpoint presentation featuring nature, historic places, and hidden gems along the Lake Erie shores, from Fort Erie to Port Stanley. Free admission. The book will be available for sale. 

Opening Day Ridgeway Farmers Market & Art by the Market
Saturday May 11, 2019
The Village Square and Friendship Trail Parking Lot, Ridge Road
Ridgeway

The Saturday morning market across from the Town Square starts its summer season. Local farmers offer fresh produce, meats, cheeses, honey, preserves, etc.  At the adjoining Art Market, local artists, crafters, artisans and authors offer their wares. Come out for some good shopping and meet your neighboours. Markets open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 1:00 p.m. Continues through October 19.

Niagara Railway Museum Open House
21 Warren Street, Fort Erie
Sat. & Sun. May 11 & 12, 2019

This is opening weekend for the Niagara Railway Museum, located in the old CNR depot building. See restored steam engine locomotives, boxcars, railway equipment and model displays. Admission by donation. Runs 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. Folowing the Open House, the museum will be open to the public every Saturday from June 15 to Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Bertie St. Boat Launch on Niagara Blvd.

7:00 p.m.

Learn about the dramatic fight that took place when the Welland Canal Field Battery and the Dunnville Naval Brigade faced the invading American Fenian invaders on June 2, 1866. Walk over the ground where it happened. Meet at boat launch, parking available. Tour led by author/historian June Chipp. Sponsored by Bertie Historical Society. Admission free. Books about the event available on site. For information contact info@erieshoresescape.com

Sat. & Sun., May 25-26, 2019

Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Rd., Fort Erie

Re-enactors of British and American forces will relive the battles of the American Revolution and put on demonstrations. See history come to life. Events start at 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission $15. Free parking. 

Opening Day Fort Erie Race Track
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Bertie Road, east of Thompson Road

The 122nd season at the historic Fort Erie Race Track opens. Live thoroughbred horse racing. Post time 4:20 p.m.  Free concert at the Tiki Bar after race. For more information on the race track visit the Entertainment page.

Stevensville Spring-fest
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Stevensville Memorial Hall, 2508 Stevensville Rd.

Stevensville, Fort Erie

The 17th Annual Stevensville Springfest  launches the season of summer festivals in Fort Erie. The event starts with a pancake breakfast at the Stevensville Fire Hall.  Then the fair gets underway at the Stevensville Memorial Hall, both indoors and out.  Visitors enjoy the offerings of artists, crafters, artisans, authors, and food vendors, along with entertainment and kids rides. Event runs 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Free admission. Free parking.

Ghost Tour of Old Fort Erie (Friday Night Fright Night)
Friday, June 7,  2019
350 Lakeshore Rd., south of Central Avenue
Fort Erie

9:00 p.m.

Take a tour of the old British Fort with a guide and hear scary tales of the spirits that haunt its walls.  Tour lasts about 2 hours. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Admission $7.50.  Free parking.

Rods & Relics Car Show 
Sunday, June 9, 2019

Fort Erie Conservation Club

2555 Ott Road, Stevensville

The 28th annual Rods & Relics Car Show sponsored by the Rods & Relics Car Club of Fort Erie will be heading to a new location this year.  A few hundred vehicles are expected to be on display. About forty classes, including all types of autos from antique cars and trucks dating from the 1930 & 40's to 1950's & 60's classics as well as modern custom jobs. There will be door prizes, "Junk in the Trunk" swap meet, food, and DJ music from the rock era. Freel admission, net proceeds go to Tender Wishes. Runs 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Canada Day Celebration and Fireworks  

Monday,  July 1, 2019  
Old Fort Erie and Niagara River

Enjoy the annual fireworks display from anywhere along the river between the Old Fort and Central Avenue. Starts at 10:00 p.m. rain or clear.

Ridgeway Summer Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday,  July 5, 6, & 7, 2019

Ridge Road, Downtown Ridgeway

Downtown Ridgeway will turn into a carnival for the 29th Annual Festival! Throughout the weekend, the main street, Ridge Road, will be closed to traffic and lined with many crafters and vendors all along the way. The pleasant sounds of  60's/70's rock and folk music will be heard wafting down the street. Includes live entertainment, artisan market, buskers, beer tent, face painting, food, and games. This festival is always enjoyed by a large crowd.

Friday - Beer Garden with live music -  Ridgeway Square by the Friendship Trail on Ridge Rd.

Pancake Breakfast - Sat. & Sun.- 8 am - 12 noon. Near Beer Store

Beachcombers Bazaar - Saturday - 237 Ridge Rd.

Historical Museum - featuring Crystal Beach Memorabilia.

Wrap-up Party - Sunday - Barbq, music, cash bar - Royal Canadian Legion - 228 South Mill St.
 

Circle of Art

Waterfront Concert - Toronto All-Star Big Band

Siege of Fort Erie - Re-Enactment of the War of 1812
Saturday & Sunday,  August 3 & 4, 2019
Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Rd. at south end of Niagara Blvd.

Fort Erie

The Re-Enactment of the Siege of Fort Erie is a major 2 day event which takes place at the Old Fort every summer. This is the largest War of 1812 re-enactment in Canada. Re-enactors with authentic costumes and weaponry will bring to life the the Siege of  Fort Erie in the year 1814. Various battles will depict the taking of the Fort by the American forces, then the British soldiers, local Militia and Native allies attacking the fort in an attempt to retake it. The highlight of the Saturday night battle will be the blowing up of the Fort in a burst of fire and smoke.
Tented encampments are set up around the fort grounds. An interesting Vendor & Artisan Market offers 1812 military memorabilia, guns and knives, leather goods, iron work and period clothing.  Inside the Visitors Centre is an interactive museum display depicting the men and the battles of 1812-1814, and a theatre where a short video of the war is shown. Access to the Gift Shop, Snack Bar, Vendors' Market, outside grounds and view of battles is free. An all day admission ticket includes access to the museum display and tours of the Fort building.  Lots of free parking is available nearby.

Also see Old Fort Erie in the History section of this website.

                                

Friday,  August 16, 2019

Old Fort Erie

350 Lakeshore Road, south of Niagara Blvd., Fort Erie

9:00 p.m.

Take a tour of the old British Fort with a guide and hear scary tales of the spirits that haunt its walls. Doors open 8:30 p.m. Tour last about 2 hours.  Admission $7.50.  Free parking.

Soldiers' Field Day
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Old Fort Erie
350 Lakeshore Road, south end of Lakeshore Blvd., Fort Erie


Re-enactors from the War of 1812 compete in drill competitions, speed loading demonstrations, and more.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Waterfront Park

3175 Terrance Lane, Crystal Beach

7:00 p.m.

This 5 piece band presents a tribute to the music of Neil Young, from the acoustic guitar to the electric sound. Outdoors in the park facing Lake Erie. Bring a chair or blanket. Free admission. Presented by the Friends of Crystal Beach.

Saturday, September 7, 2019
Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Rd. at south end of Niagara Blvd. south of Peace Bridge, Fort Erie

 

The Murder Mystery is a fun event. Walk through the Old Fort and meet shady characters while solving a mystery. Prizes. Doors open at 6:30 pm., starts at 7:00 pm.  Admission $10 adults, kids $5.00. 

Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2019

Crystal Ridge Public Library

89 Ridge Rd., Ridgeway

7:00 p.m.

June Chipp presents a power point talk  about the Battle at Snake Hill in the War of 1812. Hear about what really happened and where was the battlefield.  Presented by Bertie Historical Society and Fort Erie Public Library. Free admission.

Ridgeway Fall Festival

Crystal Beach 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 12, 2019 
 Erie Road, downtown Crystal Beach

Time: 11:00 a.m.

The 15th annual 5 Kilometre Run and Walk will take place along Erie Road in Crystal Beach. This is a flat fast certified course, starting and ending at the Crystal Chandelier Restaurant, 3878 Erie Rd. at corner of Ridgeway Rd. Awards in all age categories.  Registration required (fee applies). Participants can still register on the day of the race.  Kids Fun Race kicks off at 10:15 a.m.,  then the main event at 11:00 a.m.. Donations of non perishable food items welcome. Post race party at Sneakers Tavern.

  

All Hallow's Eve Ghost Tour at Old Fort Erie
Sat. Oct. 19, Fri. Oct. 25, Sat. Oct. 26, 2019
Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Rd. at south end of Niagara Blvd. south of Peace Bridge, Fort Erie

Times: 7:30 pm, 7:45 pm, 8:00 pm.

Just before Halloween the Old Fort celebrates All Hallow's Eve with a lantern light tour through the rooms of the old stone fort, with tales of ghostly encounters. Followed by the burning the effigy of Guy Fawkes at 8:30 p.m.. Movies will be shown in the theatre at 9:00 p.m. Reservations required for the ghost tour.  Regular Admisson. Free parking.

Red Ribbon Art Show
This art show is the major event produced by the Sanctuary Centre for the Arts. A wide array of art by local artists is featured for viewing and sale, including participation by local high school art students. Refreshments, music and cash bar.  Admission $10.00

Remembrance Day Parade & Ceremony
Sunday,  November 2019 (exacte date TBA)
Mather's Arch, end of Garrison Rd. at Central Avenue, Fort Erie

Start Time:

 

A marching band will assemble at the Royal Canadian Legion, 130 Garrison Road, .then proceed to  Mather's Arch for the ceremony to honour the veterans of the 1st and 2nd World Wars and other wars.

Ringing of the Bells - Legion Hall - to commemorate the Armistice of the First World War on its 100th anniversary. Bells will be rung. Further information TBA.

Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 2019 (exacte date TBA)

Downtown Fort Erie

Start:

The 47th Annual Greater Fort Erie Santa Claus Parade will take place as usual in the old part of town.  The popular parade will feature  numerous floats from local service clubs, Shriners, marching bands, fire trucks and horses, and of course Santa Claus.  Starts at the corner of Jarvis Street and Niagara Boulevard in Bridgeburg, proceeds to Central Avenue, turns south and goes down Central Avenue past Gilmore Road and ends at the corner of Central Avenue and Catherine Street.  Pre-parade activities will take place at the Fort Erie Library at Central Ave. & Gilmore Rd.

Spirit of Christmas
Friday & Saturday, December (exacte dates TBA)
Ridge Road, Downtown Ridgeway

This is the 24th Annual Spirit of Christmas festival in Ridgeway. It is a special time to enjoy the Christmas spirit while shopping at Ridgeway's unique shops. Stores will be decorated brightly as people come out to enjoy the special offerings of the village business community. Horse and carriage rides up and down Ridge Road, strolling carollers and Santa Claus, children's choirs. Festivities start Friday afternoon, and continue all day Saturday. Sponsored by the Ridgeway Business Improvement Area.

Saturdays, December 2019 (dates TBA)

Royal Canadian Legion

228 Mill St., Ridgeway

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon

These markets will be focusing on the Christmas Spirit. Baked goods, fall farm products, crafts, artisans, books. Come on out and do your Christmas shopping!  Hot breakfast available for only $5.00. Photos with Santa.

Treaty of Ghent Tribute (Ringing of the Bells)
Monday, December 24, 2019 (event to be confirmed) 
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71
130 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie

Time:

Originally started in 2014 to celebrate the end of the War of 2012-14 in Ghent, Belgium, this has become an annual event on Christmas Eve. A short ceremony with speeches and singing is followed by the bell ringing at 4:00 p.m. Refreshments available. Bring a bell if you have one. Open to the public, free admission. Organized by the Heritage Arts Legacy of Fort Erie.

Fort Erie

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