Some of the participants came even from southern states. All of them slept in tents which looked to me like those used about 200 years ago. I did not see any trailers or motor homes.
The Niagara Parks Commission hat allowed camping close to "Old Fort ERie" - a wise decision.
As a thank you everybody took care of the lawn. No damage by fire pits or barbecues, no garbage was thrown around or left.
Cars were not allowed on the property. So everything looked to me as in 1814.

In both camps groups were sitting peacefully in the grass and exchanging news. I think most of them knew each other from similar events.
Some of the Americans told me about a big event in Europe in which in which they want to play a part and started saving money already to be able to do that.
I never found out more about this event but I hope their wishes became true.

I learned very much about the reasons why the Americans wanted to become independent from England and I had to agree.
They showed and explained the weapons which they were going to use and how to purify the bacteria laden Canadian water just by adding enough whiskey.
I told them that I would still not take the risk and drink the whiskey pure. Id did this in Germany and a Scotsman told me that I am right. I think he should know.
However, I could not see anybody drinking "purified water" before the battle and the coffee looked like coffee.

I was told that spinning is getting popular again and that there are even clubs. Some spinner even would use cat or dog hair. I believe that because at least in Germany we still use angora rabbits wool for warming underwear.
Other women were cooking, paying music or just were talking to each other.
Similar as in the "British" camp preparing dinner was one of the main activities. Everybody knew who was to win the battle and I discovered a ceramic pot filled with fruits and mysterious smelling preservatives. In Germany we call something like that a "Römertopf", Fruits of the season are mixed with sugar and pas preservative a strong rum is being used. It take quiet a wile until the fruits are ready to eat.
Other families were cooking ham, boiling potatoes or stews.

Nobody was afraid to leave the tent alone. Certainly most of the volunteers know each other and they are all honest people.
However, if more visitor would stroll through the camps I would not be any longer so trustful based on our experience. Southern Ontario is unfortunately not anymore like it was. In Newfoundland still nobody locks the doors when leaving the house.
Especially for visitors from overseas events like this are an unforgettable highlight and they should be properly made public. I hope that our little presentation will help to achieve this task.
But it is also mandatory that the tourism industry from Fort Erie fulfills their part to welcome visitors properly. A restaurant who closes for dinner and asks people to go to McDonald's is not acceptable - nor are any excuses!

The "battle troops" of the Americans consisted similar to those of the "British" of volunteers of all age groups and physical condition.
Some had even problems walking but they still had fun either by following orders or to give them.