Big Rubber Duck Rocks Tall Ships Festival in Erie, PA

Mama Duck was the star of the show at the 2019 Tall Ships Erie festival. Billed as the World's Largest Rubber Duck, Mama weighed in at 15 tons, and was tethered to the dock at the foot of Holland Street in Erie, PA from August 22-25, 2019. Her offspring, Baby Quackers, nestled next to Mama for the duration. Children and their parents lined near the ducks to take selfies. 

Mama Duck and Quackers have made appearances on Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and other Great Lakes ports in the United States and Canada.

Tall Ships Erie is a benefit for the Flagship Niagara League, the group that operates the historic reproduction of the U.S. Brig Niagara. Tall Ships Erie was last held in 2016.

Enjoy fun facts about all things Erie at Old Time Erie

Tall Ships Erie 2013 Celebration

Thousands of tourists are in town this weekend to enjoy Tall Ships Erie and to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie. I have never seen so many cars lined up on the Bayfront Highway, practically at a standstill from State Street to the East Bayfront Parkway. Motorcycle police were directing traffic at several intersections as people tried to find a good spot to view the Tall Ships Parade of Sail. A black and white helicopter patrolled the channel and shoreline, while big, puffy white clouds accented the blue sky.  

I see the Niagara so much that I take it for granted. Shame on me. When I walked past the window at work last night, I stopped for a moment to take a picture. I had forgotten how spectacular our sunsets are here in Erie, PA. And this sunset was even more spectacular with the Brig Niagara in the foreground. This view repeats practically every night when the Niagara is not touring the Great Lakes promoting maritime history.

Ten ships took part in Tall Ships Erie, and tours were available for a small fee. I walked around with a few co-workers on our lunch break amidst a sea of 5,300 children from schools in Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties. It's amazing that the teachers were able to keep track of them all.

Enjoy more fun facts and photos of Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

The Roar From These Shores

Back in 1963, the Roar on the Shore had nothing to do with motorcycles. Erie residents were in a patriotic mood, celebrating the Perry Sesquicentennial in a big way. A replica of the Flagship Niagara was assembled in Veteran's Memorial Stadium at 26th and State Street, along with a 300 foot stage. Five hundred people appeared in a series of performances that spanned seven days in August of 1963. The Roar From These Shores came from the audience at the end of each show. 

Tonight Show host Jack Paar said, "One thing is evident- it's a great community effort. I've never seen such a project as this before. We need more of this in America."

PA Governor William Scranton said, "I've seen a lot of pageants. This is by far the best I have ever seen. I'm really impressed."

An advertisement claimed, "Any child who sees "From These Shores' will cherish the memory all his life and thank you for it. Don't be the on to deny him the best look he'll ever get at the history of Erie."

Were you one of the children who saw the show? Did you appear in "From These Shores?" I'm looking for pictures of the event and I'm sure someone has a few in a scrapbook. If you would like to contribute photos to an upcoming project about the Perry Sesquicentennial, be sure to act now. Contact me here to participate. Can't wait to hear your stories.

Enjoy more facts and photos of Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

Happy Birthday Old Time Erie

Old Time Erie photo of the Brig Niagara by Debbi Lyon.

It seems like yesterday when Old Time Erie was hatched. Hard to believe a year has passed. Where did the time go? I had no idea how much that so many people loved Erie history. Thanks for sending compliments and suggesting story ideas. A big thanks to all the people who have made this possible! If you've ever contributed a picture or a postcard, give yourself a pat on the back. If you've been meaning to say hello or send something in, here's your chance.

Here's to the next chapter in the people's history of Erie, PA!

Enjoy more historic facts and photos of Erie, Pa at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com