Under a blistering July sun, the gracious staff and the Friends of Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake, opened their grounds to the forces of Congress and the Crown, for a grand midsummer event. The setting was perfect for the famous, much anticipated (and all-too intermittent) Polly Johnson day celebration.

The main event was to take place on Saturday night when a red- and green-coated (hand selected) forlorn hope took the fort by storm, under a hail of pyrotechnics supported by guns, sharpshooters and thunderous vollies.

The promise of such a spectacle brought Officers and Ladies flocking to the frontier fort to flaunt their keen sense of Montreal fashion whilst observing the exotic manoeuvres and manly courage of the stalwart soldiery.

Mrs. Meadus, Black Bess, Mistress Rebecca, Miss Charlee and Mistress Watt all sported new ensembles. Familiar favourites such as Mrs. Turrall, Miss Beatrice and Miss Doedens delighted all that came within their sphere.

Not to be outdone, a handful of sensible gentleman paraded their sporting finery. Captain Millard, Mr. Doedens and the ever dashing (if he does say so, himself) Mr. Sandford were all seen preening among the ladies and imbibing their fair share of very welcome lemon squash.

As can be seen in the visual record, there was no end to the smiles. The Spinnet provided endless entertainment and even the oppressive heat could not dull the fun.