Listing of Events for Fort Erie 2018
There are numerous events taking place in Fort Erie, including Crystal Beach and Ridgeway, throughout
the coming year 2018. Check out events, festivals, concerts, theatre, car shows, re-enactments and much more!
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Opening Day Ridgeway Farmers Market & Art by the Market
Saturday May 5, 2018
Friendship Trail Parking Lot, across from the Village Square, 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. Continue through October 13.
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| Ridgeway Farmers Market |
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| Fresh Produce |
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| Crafters at Farmers Market |
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Niagara Railway Museum Open House
21 Warren Street, Fort Erie
Sat. & Sun. May 12 & 13, 2018
This is opening weekend for the Niagara Railway Museum, located in the old CNR depot building. Restored diesel engines, railway equipment and model displays. Admission by donation. Runs 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Art Show and Sale
Beachcombers Seniors club
237 Ridge Rd. N., Ridgeway
Saturday May 26, 2018
A display of art by local artists available for sale. Presented by Fort Erie Arts Council. Runs 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Opening Day Fort Erie Race Track
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Bertie Road, east of Thompson Road
The 121st 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.
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Stevensville Spring-fest
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Stevensville Memorial Hall, 2508 Stevensville Rd.
Stevensville, Fort Erie
The 16th 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.
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| Stevensville Springfest |
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| Indoor Market |
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| Firetruck Train Ride |
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Ghost Tour of Old Fort Erie (Friday Night Fright Night)
Friday, June 8, 2018
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.
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Rods & Relics Car Show
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Fort Erie Conservation Club
2555 Ott Road, Stevensville
The 27th 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.
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| 1935 Ford Coupe |
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| 1939 Plymouth Deluxe |
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| 1946 Dodge Pickup |
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Opening Day Market at the Racetrack
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Bertie Road, east of Thompson Road, north of the QEW
Farmers Market with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, sweets, etc. Also artists, artisans, crafters, etc. Opens 12:00 noon and runs until last race. Outside by the paddock and inside the main hall. For times during the summer see below "Ongoing Summer Events". Continues to mid October.
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Canada Day Celebration and Fireworks
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Old Fort Erie and Niagara River
7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
The Old Fort will be open to the public between 7:30 pm. and 10:00 pm. No admission fee to snack bar, gift shop and washrooms. The Fort Erie Legion Band will be playing in the pavilion (next to Welcome Centre) from 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. 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.
Note Road Closure: Lakeshore Road (Niagara Parkway) will be closed from 8:00 pm between Beatrice Street and Dominion Road. (This is the 1/2 kilometre strip just north of the Fort starting where the road splits).
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Ghost Tour of Old Fort Erie (Friday Fright Night)
Friday, July 6, 2018
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 lasts about 2 hours. Admission $7.50. Free parking.
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Ridgeway Summer Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 6,7,8, 2018
Ridge Road, Downtown Ridgeway
Downtown Ridgeway will turn into a carnival for the 28th 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 6 p.m. - Beer Garden with live music - Ridgeway Square by the Friendship Trail on Ridge Rd.
Pancake Breakfast - Sat. & Sun. 8:30 - 11 a.m. - Near Beer Store
Beachcombers Bazaar - Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - 237 Ridge Rd.
Wrap-up Party - Sunday - 4 - 8 p.m. - Barbq, music, cash bar - Royal Canadian Legion - 228 South Mill St.
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| Street Vendors |
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| Ridge Road Flowers |
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| Fun for All |
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Friendship Festival
Thursday-Sunday, July 12-15, 2018
Mather's Arch, end of Garrison Rd. at Central Avenue, south of the Peace Bridge
Fort Erie
The Friendship Festival is celebrating its 32nd year. A large crowd from all over is expected to attend. There is lots of free parking in the vicinity.
Large Midway - Thurs.-Sun.
Market Place - Artists, artisans, crafters, etc. - Thurs. - Sun.
Family Zone - Interactive displays, environmental, reptiles, etc.
Multi Heritage Day - Sunday
All Canadian Pageant - babies to teens.
Concerts - Fri. & Sat. night concerts in licensed zone.
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Sunday, July 15, 2018
Crystal Beach Waterfront Park
3875 Terrace Lane, foot of Ridgeway Road, Crystal Beach
Start Time: 7:00 p.m.
A lively band playing Irish and down east music, with guitar, banjo, drums, piano and bagpipe. The concert takes place in our lovely lakefront park at the bandshell facing Lake Erie. Bring a chair or blanket. Presented by The Friends of Crystal Beach. Free admission, donations welcome. Free parking. Food truck Crystal Beach Candy Company on site - hot dogs, sausage, sugar waffles, pop, water. For band website and to listen to their music go to www.mcphersonsrant.ca
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| McPherson's Rant Crystal Beach 2018 |
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| McPherson's Rant the Band |
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| Crystal Beach 2018 |
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Circle of Art
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Queen's Circle, Crystal Beach
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This is the 4th Annual Circle of Art at Queen's Circle. Local artists and artisans display their work for sale in the circle by the Gazebo. Live music. Food Truck by Crystal Beach Candy Company - hot dogs, sausages, waffles, suckers, pop, water. Presented by the Friends of Crystal Beach.
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| Circle of Art 2016 |
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| Circle of Art 2017 |
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Waterfront Concert - The Niagara Reefers Tribute to Jimmy Buffett
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Crystal Beach Waterfront Park
3875 Terrace Lane, foot of Ridgeway Road, Crystal Beach
Start Time: 7:00 p.m.
Due to popularity of the last Jimmy Buffet Tribute, they're back again. The Niagara Reefers (formerly The Saltshakers) present their tribute to the iconic Jimmy Buffett. His island music of the the 1970's continues to be popular today. Concert is located in our beautiful waterfront park facing Lake Erie. Free admission, donations appreciated. Free parking. Bring a chair or blanket, and come early for best spot . Food truck Crystal Beach Candy Company on site - hot dogs, sausage on a bun, pop, water, sugar waffles. Presented by the Friends of Crystal Beach.
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| Niagara Reefers Gang |
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| Jimmy Buffet sound Crystal Beach 2018 |
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| Niagara Reefers at Crystal Beach 2018 |
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Prince of Wales Stakes
Tuesday July 24, 2018
Fort Erie Racetrack
Bertie Road, east of Thompson Road, north of the QEW
Fort Erie
The 83rd running of the Prince of Wales Stakes, which is the second jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown, will be an exciting event. The Fort Erie Racetrack is one of the oldest running tracks in Canada, having been an institution since 1897. Post Time for first race 4:20 p.m. Free admission, free parking. For more information on the Racetrack see the Entertainment Page.
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| Crowds watch Prince of Wales Stakes |
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| Cool Catomine won in 2017 |
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| Wonder Gadot wins easily in 2018 |
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Siege of Fort Erie - Re-Enactment of the War of 1812
Saturday & Sunday, August 11 & 12, 2018
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.
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| The American Army |
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| British Redcoats |
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| Artisans Market |
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Waterfront Concert - Toronto All-Star Big Band
Sunday, August 12, 2018
3875 Terrace Lane, foot of Ridgeway Road
Crystal Beach
7:00 p.m.
An all time favourite, the Toronto All-Star Big Band returns with the Music of the big band era of the 1930's & 40's. A vibrant young cast brings a fresh performance. The concert takes place in our beautiful waterfront park at the bandstand facing Lake Erie. Bring a chair or blanket. Presented by the Friends of Crystal Beach. Free admission, donations appreciated. Free parking. Food Truck by Crystal Beach Candy Company - hot dogs, sausage on a bun, pop, sugar waffles, water.
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| All-Star Big Band 2017 |
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| Crystal Beach 2016 |
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| Crystal Beach 2015 |
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Ghost Tour of Old Fort Erie (Friday Fright Night)
Friday, August 17, 2018
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.
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Waterfront Concert - A Simple Gesture
Sunday, August 19, 2018
3875 Terrace Lane, foot of Ridgeway Road
Crystal Beach
7:00 p.m.
This 4 piece band brings us easy listening pop and rock. The concert takes place in our beautiful waterfront park at the bandstand facing Lake Erie. Presented by the Friends of Crystal Beach. Free admission, donations appreciated. Free parking. Food Truck on site - Crystal Beach Candy Company - hot dogs, sausage on a bun, pop, sugar waffles, water.
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| A Simple Gesture |
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| A Simple Gesture |
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| A Simple Gesture |
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Fort Erie Music Fest
Saturday, August 2018 (exact date TBA)
Waterfront Park
3875 Terrace Lane
Crystal Beach
A variety of local bands play at the bandstand in the waterfront park. Event lasts all evening.
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Soldiers' Field Day
Saturday, August 25, 2018
Old Fort Erie
350 Lakeshore Road, south end of Lakeshore Blvd., Fort Erie
10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Re-enactors from the War of 1812 compete in drill competitions, speed loading demonstrations, and more.
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Ongoing Summer Events 2018
Ridgeway Farmers and Art Market - Saturdays - Ridge Road at the Friendship Trail Parking Lot, Downtown Ridgeway
The farmers bring fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, honey, meats, plants, resfreshments. Art Market includes local artists, artisans, crafters, authors. Busking by local musicians. Ample free parking in the vicinity. Opens May 5, 2018 and runs through mid October. Saturday mornings 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Supper Market - Thursdays - Food trucks offer various fast foods. Waterfront Park in Crystal Beach. Thursdays, June 28 - August 30. Runs 4 - 9 p.m. Presented by the Crystal Beach Business Improvement Area.
Horse Racing at Fort Erie Racetrack - Tuesday & Sunday. Concerts on Tuesdays. See the Entertainment page for details. Fort Erie Racetrack, Bertie Road, east of Thompson Road.
Market at the Racetrack - Sundays - Farmers Market with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, artisans, crafters. Outside by the paddock and inside the main hall. Sundays during race times. Fort Erie Racetrack, Bertie Road, east of Thompson Road.
Summer Breezes Music Series - Ridgeway Legion, 228 South Mill St., Ridgeway
Sunday July 1, Sunday July 29, Sunday August 5, Sunday August 26
An evening of free live music outdoors. Bring a chair. Refreshments available.
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FALL EVENTS & WINTER EVENTS
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End of Summer Parade & Ceremony
Saturday, September 2018 (exact date TBA)
Downtown Crystal Beach
The traditional Crystal Beach End of Summer event maraks the end of the summer season at the beach. A parade starts it off, weaving through the streets, leading to the ceremony at the finale. Parade takes a 3 1/2 mile route. Presented by the Friends of Crystal Beach.
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| Mayor's Car in Parade |
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| Old Man Summer and Superheroes |
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| Captain Canada Arrives |
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Niagara Railway Museum Open House (Rail Days)
Saturday, 2018 (exact date TBA)
21 Warren Street, Fort Erie
Time:
View the old train warehouse repair depot that has been turned into a railway museum. Old trains on display along with model trains, artifacts, and railway displays. Admission $5.00.
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Murder Mystery at Old Fort Erie
Saturday, September 8, 2018
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.
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Split Rock Farms Alpacas Farm Day
Saturday & Sunday, September 2018 (exact date TBA)
1652 Ridge Rd. N., Ridgeway
Farm Day at Split Rock Farms is a chance to get out in the country and enjoy a working alpaca farm. The barn will feature fleece displays, alpaca goods, jam preserves, etc. for sale. On the farm, visitors can take a tour or wander by the many pens of the strange but cute looking creatures. Free admission.
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The Taste of Fort Erie
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Jarvis Street, Downtown Bridgeburg
This street festival is back again this year. The street will be closed off and lined with vendors, food trucks, kids play areas, etc. Live music. Fun for all.
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Ridgeway Fall Festival
Saturday, September 2018 (exact date TBA)
Ridge Road at the Village Square and Friendship Trail Parking Lot, Downtown Ridgeway
The 8th Annual Ridgeway Fall Festival is celebrated at the Village Square, on the street and at the Friendship Trail. The Farmers Market offers fresh produce, meats, honey, flowers, etc. at the Trail parking lot. There will be live music, artisans, kids activities, Fluffy the Clown, pumpkin carving contest, scarecrow competitions, face painting, and hay rides.
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| Farmers Market |
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| Ridgeway Civic Square |
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| Kiddie Express Train |
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Crystal Beach 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 2018 (exact date TBA)
Erie Road, downtown Crystal Beach
Time: 11:00 a.m.
The 14th 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. Sponsored by the Friends of Crystal Beach.
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| 5K Run The Start |
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| Kids Race Warms Up |
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| Crowds at Start Gate |
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All Hallow's Eve Ghost Tour at Old Fort Erie
Sat. Oct. 20, Fri. Oct. 26, Sat. Oct. 27, 2018
Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Rd. at south end of Niagara Blvd. south of Peace Bridge, Fort Erie
Times: 7:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m.; 8:00 p.m.
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 of a Hallowe'en theme will be shown in the theatre at 9:00 p.m. Reservations required for the ghost tour. Regular Admisson. Free parking.
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| The Tour Begins |
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| Through the Gate |
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| Into the Guardhouse |
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Lioness Christmas Magic Craft Show
Saturday, November 2018 (exact date TBA)
Crystal Ridge Community Centre
99 Ridge Rd. S., Ridgeway
This annual bazaar is alway popular. Lots of vendors with crafts, jewelery, hand knitted goods, books, and all kinds of goodies. Come and shop early for Christmas.
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Red Ribbon Art Show
Saturday, November 2018 (exact date TBA)
Lion's Hall Banquet Centre, Leisureplex
3 Municipal Centre Drive (off Garrison Rd. at Buffalo Rd.), Fort Erie
7:00 p.m.
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 fee.
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Remembrance Day Parade & Ceremony
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Mather's Arch, end of Garrison Rd. at Central Avenue, Fort Erie
Start Time:
A marching band will precede a ceremony at Mather's Arch to honour the veterans of the 1st and 2nd World Wars and other wars. Parade assembles at the Royal Canadian Legion at 130 Garrison Rd.. then proceeds to Mather Arch for the ceremony.
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Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 2018 (exact date TBA)
Downtown Fort Erie
The 46h 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.
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| Santa Parade 2017 |
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| Pt Colborne Aux Marine |
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| Marchig Band |
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Spirit of Christmas
Friday & Saturday, December 2018 (exact dates TBA)
Ridge Road, Downtown Ridgeway
This is the 23rd 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.
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Ringing of the Bells
Monday, December 24, 2018
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71
130 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie
Originally started in 2014 to celebrate the end of the War of 2012-14 in Ghent, Belgium, this has become an annual event. 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.
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Polar Bear Dip and Chili Cookoff Challenge
Saturday January , 2019 (exact date TBA)
Bertie Boating Club
1010 Point Abino Road S., Ridgeway (Point Abino), just west of Crystal Beach
The 10th Annual Polar Bear Dip is expected to take place again this year at the Bertie Boating Club. The brave challengers will run into the water 3 times to qualify for their certificate. This will be followed by the Chili Cookoff, where contestants offer their version of the hot stuff, and the public can vote on their favourite dish. Drinks and refreshments are also available at the Bertie Boating Clubhouse. A large crowd always turns out to watch the fun. A fee of $5 applies for taking a dip or tasting chili. Organized by the Crystal Beach Business Improvement Association and the Bertie Boating Club. In water monitoring provided by the Fort Erie Underwater Recovery Unit and Scub Club (FEURU). Event runs 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Big Dip at 12:00 noon.
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Mid Winter Pow-Wow
Saturday, March , 2019 (exact date TBA)
Native Freindship Centre
796 Buffalo Road, Fort Erie
This will be the 24th Annual Pow-Wow. The Grand Entry takes place at noon, with the elders, dressed in full native regalia, leading carrying the traditional flags. After the opening speeches, there will be dancing all afternoon, with various dances being performed, which may include the Smoke Dance, Jingle Dance, Hoop Dance and Intertribal Dance, A Vendors' Market features native handicrafts and jewelry. Refreshments are available. Native people come from all around to don their colourful regalia, which may be traditional or modern, and dance to the beat of the drums. A large crowd usually attends. Admission free, donations of non perisahable food or monetary are welcome. In the photo below, one of the elders wears a Potawatomi headress made of beaver pelt, porcupine quills, and eagle feathers.
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Fort Erie
History Tour Book
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Fenian Raids!
Duty and Honour
The Stand Against
the Fenians in Fort Erie
Buy Book Here
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