Spencerville Mill - Canadian Government Invests in Commemoration of the War of 1812

SPENCERVILLE, Ontario, March 7, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Local artists, artisans, and performers will bring history to life at the Spencerville Mill's Bicentennial Heritage Fair, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds-Grenville), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Spencerville Mill Foundation, a local non-profit organization dedicated to the historic preservation and interpretation of the Spencerville Mill and the history of the local community, will present its Heritage Fair from June 1 to 3, 2012. This year's fair celebrates not only the construction of the Spencerville Mill, but also the War of 1812. Audiences will go back in time through music and dance performances, historical craft demonstrations, War of 1812 historical battle re-enactments, and local history talks and workshops.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in organizations that support local festivals, like the Spencerville Mill Foundation," said Minister Moore. "By supporting these organizations, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our economy and support arts, culture, and heritage."

"Events like the Spencerville Mill's Bicentennial Heritage Fair provide a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to come together and enjoy the festivities while learning about the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, a defining moment in our country's history," said Mr. Brown. "This investment will enable local artists, artisans, and performers to share the story of their local heritage with their community."

"The Spencerville Mill is thrilled to have this level of support for the Heritage Fair," said Alicia Wanless, Marketing Director, Spencerville Mill Foundation. "As a community, we are developing a unique heritage experience, through which we plan to support local craftspeople, community service groups, businesses and tourism, by creating a three-day-long historic flash mob that will interact with visitors and bring the past to life."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $78,100 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.