New this year will be several demonstrations of 19th-century arts and crafts, with some being interactive.

Visitors will be shown how to write with a quill pen, weave fabric and use other tools of the period.

Also new will be Wycinaki paper cuts and silhouettes, a traditional art form from Poland. Veteran artist Carolyn Guest will carve silhouettes with sheep shears in a short period of time.

BUTTON BOOSTS BUDGET

A commemorative button, which can be purchased for $10, will get visitors into most events. The sale of the buttons is a major contributor to the celebration budget.

"Our budget is $82,000 this year, and the sale of these buttons really helps defray that cost, so we would really appreciate people purchasing these buttons," Booth said.

The buttons, as well as hats and T-shirts, will be on sale on the lawn next to City Hall during the celebration.

This year's button features artwork from Morrisonville Elementary School student Ashley Orzech, who won the poster contest. Cassie Kellaway from Saranac Elementary School took second place, and Laura Farrell, also of Morrisonville, took third place.

Information of all commemoration celebration events can be found at www.battleofplattsburgh.org.

AWARENESS

While event organizers want people to enjoy the events and have a good time, the message of the battle is still the most important feature of the celebration, said Co-Chairman Gary VanCour.

"This was probably one of the most strategic battles in our country's history, and it does not get the recognition that it deserves.

"Our goal is to get more and more people aware. I know it can be slow, but hopefully, little by little, it will grow until we reach the 200th anniversary."

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com