Message from Your Battle of the Capitals Hosts

My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen. Greetings from Chris and Daniel.

Fellow Criers... Those of you who where part of that great Competition in Chester, hosted expertly by Squire David Mitchell heard us announce that we had been working on a unique competition to be held between the old capital of Canada: Historic Kingston and the current capital of Canada: Regal Ottawa.

We are looking at a competition event that takes place the 26th of July to the 5th of August, 2013 (10 days) We are committed to that time frame because our main sponsor is the Rideau Canal Festival. A major Green festival held around this UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches from Kingston to Ottawa.

We also have interest from the Alliance for the Bicentennial of the Battle of 1812'' committee, as 2013 marks an historic milestone celebration the war of 1812 and over 200 years of peace between our nations. The weekend ending on the 6th of August is also a major holiday in Canada. This is a great visitor draw.

There has never been a Championship held in a Major Capital, let alone two. There are over a hundred Embassies within Ottawa's city limits, with news media outlets from every major city around the world. Famous Parliament Hill and a plethora of world class museums and attractions await.

Kingston (Canada's First Capital) is an historical Mecca... from the world famous Thousand Islands (as most of you know from hearing Chris's hometown cry) where boat cruises take you through their majesty and beauty, to a Period military Fort  - Fort Henry (a living museum) where a sunset ceremony with all the pomp and pageantry unfolds, and much more.

In Canada; grants are awarded a year before... which means that we are waiting for 2012 to decide on the number of Criers who will be able to participate in this unique once in a lifetime competition... Two Cities...Two crowd drawing communities, unique venues, A Capital, A great celebration and ten days that you will remember for ever... The first fully bilingual competition ever held in North-America, where all languages will be judged equally, thanks to the International make-up of Ottawa and Kingston.

So all that we ask is that before you commit, wait to see the merits of both Events and then make your choice knowing that it is the right one. We wish Michael Wood the very best for his event and for those who are unable to take part in the event in Canada, we encourage you to support Michael and his competition.

      
Chris Whyman, Kingston Town Crier 
& Daniel Richer dit La Flêche
Ottawa/Gatineau Town Crier