Kids love building forts and now they have a chance to show off their skills.
The Friends of Fort George and Parks Canada are holding a Fort Building Challenge throughout January and are inviting kids ages four to 12 to participate.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake area has many examples of 18th- and 19th-century fortifications, including Fort George, Fort Mississauga and Fort Niagara, the Friends of Fort George said in announcing the contest.
Those fortifications were integral to protecting the town during the War of 1812 and the early years of settlement.
Each was built to different specifications – some are made of stone, some of wood and each has a different defensive earthwork shape to try to maximize the defensive power of the fort.
The challenge: If you got to design your own fortification, what would it look like? Using any materials, you can find around your house (Lego, paint, Play-Doh, Popsicle sticks, snow, blocks, etc).
Email your fort creations to the Friends of Fort George at admin@friendsoffortgeorge.ca by Jan. 29 for a chance to win a gift basket from the Friends of Fort George Gift Shop. Age categories are 4 to 8 and 9 to 12
Submissions will be reviewed by Friends of Fort George board members, and the winners will be announced on Jan. 31.
For more information, call the Friends of Fort George at 905-468-6621 or email admin@friendsoffortgeorge.ca.