Battle of Lake Erie to be re-enacted on Monday

The reconstructed U.S. Brig Niagara will be docked at Put-In-Bay during the Battle of Lake Erie events.

Casual boaters who wander into the water off Put-In-Bay on Monday could find themselves floating into a war zone circa 1813.

No worries, though. All those tall ships and folks decked out in 200-year-old soldier’s gear are just re-enactors engaging in an epic reproduction of the Battle of Lake Erie celebrating Oliver Hazard Perry’s defeat of the British during the War of 1812.

The elaborate re-enactment featuring at least 15 ships will take place on Labor Day from noon to 2 p.m. The best way to see the “battle” will be to either be on one of the tall ships or on other watercraft that will be kept at a distance from the action.

The Coast Guard has announced that it will enforce a 500-yard safe zone around the re-enactment area and the tall ships.

The event is one of dozens that are taking place off the lake islands this weekend. Events will be at Put-In-Bay, Kelley’s Island, Port Clinton, and Sandusky.

Among the activities will various band performances, historical speakers, movies, and musical performers, including Grammy-nominated Iris Dement Saturday night at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.

For a full list of activities, go to battleoflakeerie-bicentennial.com.