Levee will welcome in new year

Ringing in the New Year with friends and neighbours, music, refreshments, a roaring fire, and a cannon firing at Navy Hall has become a favourite tradition for many. 

The Friends of Fort George and Parks Canada are hosting the 30th annual New Year’s Day Levee Jan. 1, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to greet the new year. The community celebration carries on an old tradition of citizens gathering together to pledge allegiance to our sovereign, to renew old acquaintances and raise a toast to the continued prosperity of our nation, says Amanda Gamble, executive director of The Friends of Fort George.

Light refreshments will be offered to all in attendance, with a music presentation by the Fort George 41st Regiment of Foot Fife and Drum Corps, and official toasts at 4 p.m. This will be followed by the firing of a cannon. 

This year’s honourary cannoneer is Bill Ashburn, who won the live auction at the fourth annual Beefsteak Society dinner hosted by The Friends of Fort George in November. His donation will help to support student employment opportunities and ongoing projects at Niagara’s National Historic Sites. 

For more information on this great tradition, contact The Friends of Fort George at 905-468-6621, or visit www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca.