Press Releases Wasaga under Siege – “A War of 1812 Experience”

Wasaga under Siege – “A War of 1812 Experience” 
Nancy Island Historic Site, Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada August 17th, 18th & 19th/2012
Wasaga under Siege – Entertainment
Wasaga under Siege Entertainment Presented by:

Zoom Daddy’s
The Zoom Daddy’s are proud descendants of army deserters from long ago. Armed with guitars, harmonicas, and rocks (for self defence against bears and critics) the Zoom Daddy’s combine wit, zaniness, comedy, humour, and even some funny stuff in their songs. They wander around aimlessly throughout the land in search of listening ears, preferably listening ears attached to people. The group features brothers Richard and David DeJonge. Richard and David met one morning at the breakfast table when they were quite young. After a heated argument about how many raisins are in 2 scoops, they quickly discovered that it would be more fun and less violent if they sang about the after effects of too much bran. Thus, their musical journey began.
For Over 15 years, these bizarre minstrels have played and sang all across Canada and almost half of the time - from outside prison walls. Tell them your name and you may get a special improvised song just for you! Show them your money and watch their hungry eyes bulge out. Expect the unexpected and be ready to run away if necessary but whatever you do, don't miss the Zoom Daddy’s.

Dr. Quimby (Medicine Man)
Meet Dr. Phineus P. Quimby, medical wizard. Marvel at his Medicine Show as he demonstrates his prestidigitation to awe and inspire. Sample his potent elixir - sweet enough to cure all ills or to pour over your pancakes! "Dr. Phineus Parkhurst Quimby, your most humble and obedient servant, is pleased to inform all and sundry who are attentive to this missive that his practice of "Miraculum Medicosity" with its attendant display of prestidigitation to inspire awe and wonder will be presented for three days at Nancy Island Historic Site. Phrenological readings and circumlocutory dispensations are a specialty! Don't miss this tongue twister of a performance, and perhaps purchase a particularly poignant product presented to preclude precarious living.

19th Century Military Surgeon
If you have concerns about our health care system today, you will appreciate it a lot more after a demonstration of 19th century medical care services. Witness and listen well as the surgeon explains and demonstrates the crude ways of dealing with amputations, infections and other ailments of the time. New patients are always welcomed!!

Native Drumming & Singing
The On-gwe-ho-way Native re-enactment group includes some amazing singers and sensational storytellers who know a variety of songs that are (and were) sung by a variety of the nations, and several of the legends that have been an important part of the culture for centuries, and hopefully will be for many more.

Sutler Cyrus and the Snake Oil Show
Sutler Cyrus brings you a dazzling selection of finest quality, well-researched historic games and toys, jewellery, and non-functioning reproduction arms. His world-famous Cartridge Candy can't be beat! The Snake Oil Show features feats of magic and healing potions which is pure entertainment for all ages.

Shaymus the Story Teller - Doug Robinson
Shaymus the storyteller is an amateur historian and life-long entertainer from Chatham, Ontario. Doug draws on the age-old minstrel/jester traditions by sharing his love of history through entertainment. For the past several years, Doug has been focusing on Canadian history, specifically the War of 1812 and U.E.L. Settlers.

Candle Making
Visitors will also have the opportunity to make their very own wax candle the old fashion way. You will experience the slow process it takes to make candles with a wooden stick and a piece of string. Patience is the name of the game as candle making was a very routine job!

Duelling Demonstrations
Nancy Island hosts hundreds of re-enactors, volunteering their time to make the Wasaga Under Siege event so special. The re-enactors live on Nancy Island all weekend, living in period canvas wedge tents, cooking in 1812 style. Usually a happy bunch, the close quarters can occasionally fray the nerves of even the friendliest officers. At times like that, the only honourable course of action is to point flintlock pistols at each other, duel to the death, and steal the loser’s boots. Duels are staged in the style and rules of the time, and well worth seeing!

Cannon and Musket Demonstrations
Nancy Island will be booming with the sound of cannon and musket fire as the infantry and artillery from the War of 1812 time period come alive for the public to hear and see. The muskets of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the Royal Artillery cannon crews will be loading and firing their guns as well as educating the public with displays and hands on demonstrations.

For public information, media pictures and schedules for daily activities and musical entertainment contact the following:
Website – www.wasagaundersiege1812.com 
Nancy Island Historic Site – (705) 429-2728 www.wasagabeachpark.com
Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce – (705) 429-2247 www.wasagainfo.com
David J. Brunelle – Coordinator – wasagaundersiege1812@rogers.com