Christine Whelan FEO, August 4, 2022, VOL. 3 ISSUE 25 

As we continue to emerge from what have been challenging times, the Niagara Host Society is excited to provide an opportunity for Canadians to come together in celebration of what makes this country so special.

Approximately 6,000 guests are anticipated to visit Old Fort Erie on August 12th as we participate in a one-of-a-kind, never-been-done-before event — the 13 For 13 Cultural Festival!

13 For 13: Travel across Canada without leaving Niagara

The festival will rotate nightly during the 2022 Canada Games, changing from one municipality to another.

Held on select evenings between August 7th and 20th, this festival event will see each of Niagara’s 13 municipalities collaborate with one of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories to showcase the unique cultural heritage, entertainment, art, and culinary experiences of each pairing during their assigned special night, offering complimentary admission to all.

Visitors of the festival will be provided with the opportunity to experience the cultures of each province and territory, while also travelling across Canada without leaving Niagara — something that will hopefully inspire many to explore this great nation.

Fort Erie pairs with Nova Scotia on Friday, August 12th at Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Road, from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Niagara2022, Niagara Parks, the Town of Fort Erie and Nova Scotia, all are invited to celebrate the history, arts, culture, food, music, sport, communities, and Indigenous heritage of both Fort Erie and Nova Scotia.

Enjoy historic tours, participation in the Creator’s Game, Scottish heavy events demonstrations and Highland dance performances before ending the night with The Trews.

Six-time JUNO award nominee, The Trews, is a premier rock band originating from Antigonish, Nova Scotia. They are among the top 150 best-selling Canadian artists, producing well-known hits: “Not Ready to Go”, “Poor Ol’ Broken Hearted Me”, “Tired of Waiting”, and “Highway of Heroes”.

The Day’s Schedule

• 3:20 p.m. – Kids Programming
• 4:00 p.m. – Creators Game Live
• 4:30 p.m. – Scottish Heavy Sports Demonstration
• 5:00 p.m. – Highland Dance Performance
• 6:00 p.m. – Local Area Band – TBA
• 7:30 p.m. – Local Area Opening Act – TBA
• 9:00 p.m. – The Trews

Vendors

Fort Erie vendors are welcome to participate. The list provided on the Town of Fort Erie website includes:

• Food Trucks
• Restaurants/Food offerings
• Crafters
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Consumable Products
• Locally made artisans
• Retail

To become a vendor, you can visit the Call for Food Trucks & Vendors page on the Town of Fort Erie website and fill out one of two application forms. There are two separate application forms, one is for anyone looking to participate as a vendor, and the other form is for anyone looking to have a food truck featured.

Additional Details

• Parking will be available at two locations: Fort Erie Leisureplex & Fort Erie Racetrack with shuttles running from each location to Old Fort Erie and back at intervals throughout the event.
• Accessible shuttles will be offered from the Leisureplex.
• Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the event. The Old Fort Erie Welcome Centre features a snack bar where guests can buy refreshments until 7:00p.m. Food truck vendors will also offer their unique creations.
• Portable washrooms will be available on the event grounds.
• This will be a liquor-licensed event. There will be alcohol available for purchase on-site at a licensed area at 5:00p.m.
• Mats will be laid to ensure those with accessibility limitations enjoy events by providing a way to navigate unsteady terrain.
• Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Details on the Town of Fort Erie website:  forterie.ca/pages/13for13culturalevent

Your Traveling Schedule

Lincoln pairs with Newfoundland and Labrador on Sunday, August 7th at Charles Daley Park, 1969 N Service Rd, Jordan Station from 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

West Lincoln pairs with Saskatchewan on Monday, August 8th at the West Lincoln Community Centre, 177 West St, Smithville from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Thorold pairs with Manitoba on Tuesday, August 9th at Battle of Beaverdams Park, Sullivan Ave, Thorold from 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Niagara-on-the-Lake pairs with British Columbia on Wednesday, August 10th at Simcoe Park, Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

St. Catharines pairs with Yukon on Thursday, August 11th at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Niagara Falls pairs with Northwest Territories on Saturday, August 13th at Queen Victoria Park, 6161 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls from 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Niagara Region pairs with Ontario from Sunday, August 14th at Niagara Place at Canada Games Park, 2021 Canada Games Way, Thorold from 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Port Colborne pairs with New Brunswick on Monday, August 15th at H.H Knoll Lakeview Park, 160 Sugarloaf St, Port Colborne from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Wainfleet pairs with Nunavut on Tuesday, August 16th at Wainfleet Arena Park, 31943 Park St, Wainfleet from 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Pride Day is on Wednesday, August 17th at Niagara Place at Canada Games Park, 2021 Canada Games Way, Thorold from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Pelham pairs with Alberta on Thursday, August 18th at Peace Park, 20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Welland pairs with Quebec on Friday, August 19th at Merritt Park & Amphitheatre, 151 King St, Welland from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Grimsby pairs with Prince Edward Island on Saturday, August 20th at Grimsby Peach King Centre, 162 Livingston Ave, Grimsby from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

To check out the details of the schedule: niagara2022games.ca/13for13

Photos provided by Allan Hackett and Laurie Allan