Old Fort Niagara commemorates Patriots' Day

On April 16 and 17, Old Fort Niagara will host Patriots' Day Weekend, a special event that commemorates the beginning of the American Revolution 236 years ago. On hand will be re-enactors representing British soldiers and American militia that squared off at the battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

Programs will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day and feature mock battles for kids, storytelling, musket firing and a special ceremony honoring Niagara County's Medal of Honor recipients. U.S. Veterans and active service personnel with proper identification will be admitted free of charge to the event.

"Patriots Day marks an important anniversary in American history and is still a civic holiday in Massachusetts and Maine," said Tom Thompson, the event's organizer. "There's even a western New York connection. Fort Niagara's former commandant, Lt. Col. Francis Smith, led the British forces that fateful day."

More information, including a schedule of activities, is available at www.oldfortniagara.org.