By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON June 25, 2012 The War of 1812, The War of 1812, the War of 1812 – the one we won, the war that made this country what it is today. Remember? It can get a little tiring at times – all that history.
War of 1812 is not just a Stoney Creek event - lots of Burlington history involved as well
The people over at Tourism Burlington don’t see it that way though. They see the War of 1812 as a three year long tourism opportunity and met recently at the Joseph Brant Museum to talk to retailers about just how many opportunities there were for restaurants, local attractions and those in the accommodation business.
Simone Babineau, Marketing coordinator for Tourism Burlington organized the event which, unfortunately, drew a very poor response from the people who stand to benefit most from this marketing opportunity.
Those that were on hand learned of the General Brock Walk and the numerous print material tie-ins that are available to the retail community.
All kinds of commercial opportunities for smart retailers - a special flavor of ice cream is one.
Hewitt’s Dairy of Hagersville saw the opportunity and created two new ice cream flavours that will be available at Denningers in Burlington later in July.
The Holiday Inn staff saw numerous opportunities and the restaurants in Burlington have created a luncheon special – priced at $18.12. Local restaurants with $18.12 lunch menus can be found at: Click here
The marketing opportunities are significant but you have to get on board the train if you want to get to the destination.
The province has created a series of marketing Districts – Burlington is in the Hamilton/Halton/Brant district which is part of Western Corridor of the War of 1812. In this part of the province Stoney Creek takes up most of the oxygen with their colourful re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek. And while there was no one marching through the streets of the city, Burlington Heights played perhaps the most significant role in the part of the war that took place on the western end of the waters of Lake Ontario.
Brock's Walk from Toronto to Niagara will be a significant part of the summer program.
The Museums of Burlington have jumped on board this one; at Brant Day, August 5th at LaSalle Park, there will be a meeting of John Brant, son of Joseph Brant and Sir Isaac Brock at the event.
Tourism Burlington and the province’s “Heart of Ontario” group are all heavily involved in the development and promotion of this three year event.
There are opportunities here for the retail sector and wonderful, fun times to be had for the local and visiting public.
To fully appreciate the possible local tie ins – check out the Barn quilt tours.
