1812 soldiers of 23rd U.S. Regiment garrison Old Fort Niagara

Re-enactors specializing in the War of 1812 will be at Old Fort Niagara this weekend to embody life at the fort as it was back then. The 23rd U.S. Regiment, from the Rochester area, comprises about a dozen re-enactors who plan to offer musket firings, cooking demonstrations and period games for all ages this Saturday and Sunday.

"This weekend's War of 1812 Garrison will be educational for all who come and want to learn something new from history," said Robert Emerson, OFN executive director. "Our quieter setting at this time of year, plus this focused group of re-enactors, allow for open and casual exchanges with visitors. Learning about history from re-enactors on historic grounds doesn't get much better than this."

Daily, the 23rd Regiment will present:

• Sentry Duty - A guard will be posted at the Gate of Five Nations to welcome guests and will be replaced at times throughout the day.

• Hourly Musket Demonstrations - Learn about weaponry, ammunition and accuracy.

• Cooking Demonstrations - Experience how food was prepared and cooked over an open hearth.

• Group Drill Sessions (1 p.m.) - Re-enactors march and train with their weapons.

• Games - Play the period games "bat-and-trap," "biddle-battle" and lacrosse both days.

Admission to the fort is $12 per adult, $8 per child (ages 6-12) and free for children ages 5 and under. Members of Old Fort Niagara are admitted free.

Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org) is located in Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown.