Embodying the spirit of Christmas, Old Fort Niagara will transform into a depiction of past holiday celebrations.
The 'Castle by Candlelight' fundraiser, illuminating the entire fort, is scheduled to run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on December 9th and December 16th.
The Executive Director, Bob Emerson, expressed that each year brings the introduction of novel elements. This year, they will be featuring crafts creation, alongside Native American songs and narratives.
Each area within the French Castle and adjacent buildings will be inhabited by volunteers role-playing as silversmiths from the 18th century to exhibit jewel crafting, musicians serenading guests with songs from that period, and a Recollet priest who will recite the Christmas narrative in Latin inside the fort's chapel.
In addition, garrison volunteers will demonstrate the 'feu de joie' or 'firing of joy,' a synchronized firing of muskets and cannons, twice each evening.
Exhibitions will not be solely confined to the 18th-century; volunteers will also present diverse Christmas traditions experienced by soldiers up until the Second World War.
Emerson remarked that this last fundraiser of the year aims to generate $30,000. Proceeds will be directed towards supporting educational programs for students, a segment whose 2023 attendance at the fort marked a doubling from 2022. Approximately 12,000 students made a trip to Fort Niagara this year.
Admission for the Saturday events is priced at $25 per person if booked in advance and $30 at the door.
Tickets can be acquired from Old Fort Niagara’s official website, www.oldfortniagara.org.
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