29th annual levee to be held at Navy Hall Jan. 1

A levee is a protective embankment, a landing place — and an annual local event.
Gracing the banks of the Niagara river, Navy Hall is a lovely place to land for the 29th annual New Year’s Day Levee. The Friends of Fort George, in partnership with Parks Canada, invite you and yours to celebrate the beginning of a new year with your community.
The group organizes events to generate awareness of the fort and local history, as well as to raise funds for initiatives within the realm of our historical sites, such as historical interpreters at the fort — and the levee.
“The thing I really like is it’s just a nice community gathering,” says Amanda Gamble, the executive director of the group. “See familiar faces, friends, and friends of friends. It’s just a nice way to kick everything off.”
Historically, a levee is an opportunity for citizens to pay their respects to their government representatives — and for fur traders to check in with the master of their fort. On Jan. 1 between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. you can bow (or not) to various elected officials in attendance such as Lord Mayor Betty Disero, regional councillor Gary Zalepa, and members of local council, among others.
The 41st Regiment of Foot Fife and Drum Corps will get toes tapping as they lead those gathered into a round of toasts at around 3:30 p.m. Beverages for clinking will be provided for free (donations are welcome), and will include hot apple cider, coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic period punches. Sweet treats will also be on offer.
The event, typically seeing between 300 to 400 guests, culminates in the firing of the cannon. This year there was an auction held at the Friend’s Beefsteak Society Dinner for the right to be the honorary cannoneer. Local Bill Ashbury made the top donation to the group, to earn that opportunity and bragging rights.
The emcee for the event will be local favourite Scott Finlay of Parks Canada, in his period “kit,” or costume. Other board members and enthusiasts will be dressed in historically accurate clothing, and you’re welcome to pull out your best bonnet or red woollen coat if you’d like to join in the fun. Of course dressing up is optional.
This is a free, family-friendly event. Parking is also free, but limited.Photo by Fred Mercnik