KINGSTON, Ontario – Oh Canada – it’s going to be an explosive Wednesday night just before Canada Day!  Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada announces the return of the award-winning World Heritage Sunset Ceremony regular series beginning Wednesday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m.  Awarded one of Ontario’s Top 100 Events by Festival and Events Ontario for the 6th year in a row, this hour and a half show features the interpretive talents of the Fort Henry Guard showcasing the music, drill and artillery practices of the 1860’s. This world class heritage event kicks off its ninth season generously sponsored by Kingston Tourism, OLG Thousand Islands Casino, Ambassador Conference Resort, Four Point Sheraton, Novelis, Ontario Power Generation – Lennox Station and fireworks finales sponsored by Rogers Wireless Kingston.

The World Heritage Sunset Ceremonies are presented each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. throughout July and August.  The Fort Henry Drums begin the show with a rousing military musical performance, followed by the Drill Squad demonstrating marching drill and battle tactics, including the multiple firing of the Guard’s Snider Enfield Rifles with drill tactics and the finale features the Fort Henry Artillery Detachment, firing the big guns from the East Battery Wall and an exciting fireworks finale set to Rule Britannia, weather permitting.

Tickets for the evening performances are available online at www.ticketweb.ca or at the gate.  Admission fees for Sunset Ceremonies:  $19.95 adults; $18.95 senior citizens (65+); $14.95 youth 5-18, $3.00 children 2-4.  On Wednesdays, Fort Henry offers a special day/evening combo ticket with substantial guest savings.  Jessup Food and Heritage, Fort Henry’s hospitality partners offer a special pre-show historic dinner and balcony seat package or a casual B-B-Q package is also available.  Reservations required for the dinner/show package, BBQ are available by calling Jessup Foods at (613) 530-2550.

For more information on this and other Fort Henry events, please call (613) 542-7388 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or visit the Fort’s web site at www.forthenry.com.  For further information on Kingston, please visit:  www.visitkingston.ca.  Coming up:  Tattoo 2011 July 23, Last Night at the Proms July 16 ; United States Marines Corps Weekend August 20 and 21 and Fort Fright begins September 21.

QUOTES
Mary Beach, Director, Attractions:  “We are proud to call this performance our own and trust that many Kingston and area residents will act as Ambassadors this summer, inviting friends and family to Kingston and to Fort Henry to see the student’s very hard work transform and explode on the parade square this summer. Kingston should take great pride in being the host city to guests visiting from around the world to see it in Ontario’s only UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. ”

Mark Bennett, Program Supervisor, Fort Henry:  “The Sunset Ceremony performances are Fort Henry’s signature event series and is the highlight of the Fort’s summer program. The series is a result of very intense training and heartfelt determination by our student staff.  The Guard focus their training on show skills from their first day of work in early May and take great pride in presenting these shows to very enthusiastic audiences.  This year, at half show intermission, guest children and adults can take part in our giant Muster Parade – it’s a real crowd-pleaser!”

QUICK FACTS
The Fort Henry Season Pass provides great value giving unlimited visits to Fort Henry all season long for just $35.95 per adult plus tax.  The pass includes free parking, offers 50% off admission to Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, $2 off admission for a guest day admission accompanying the pass holder, 15% off regular merchandise in the Garrison Store and two free Sunset Ceremony passes.
In 2009 the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) saw increased in attendance at a number of its major special events giving a much-needed injection to total attendance numbers at the attractions.  Combined attendance at Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry’s special events made up 40% of total visitor attendance to the SLPC’s two major tourism attractions – a clear indication of the importance of events to Ontario’s tourism product.
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities in 16 municipalities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 12 campgrounds and day-use areas including the Long Sault and 1000 Islands Parkways.
Located at the junction of Highways 2 and 15 (Exit 623 off Highway 401 then south on Highway 15), Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada is managed by The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

LEARN MORE
Learn more about Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada, Sunset Ceremonies and other upcoming events at  www.FortHenry.com.
Dining reservations can be made by calling Jessup Foods at (613) 530-2550.
Learn more about St. Lawrence Parks Commission at www.parks.on.ca.

CONTACT
Bryan Mercer
Director of Marketing
St. Lawrence Parks Commission
TEL.:  613-542-7388, ext. 202
CELL:  613-331-6574
EMAIL:  bryan.mercer@forthenry.com