Steve Oler and the Erie County America250PA Committee might have started late, but they are working hard to help the county and its citizens celebrate the United States’ semiquincentennial.
Oler, a Harborcreek Township supervisor, was appointed committee chairman in October and committee members began meeting in November.
“Everyone is excited,” Oler said. “We are still in the planning stages for some things and we will piggy-back on other, existing events. We will take things that we normally have and put a patriotic spin on it.”
A kickoff rally was held Jan. 26 at Penn State Behrend’s Junker Center but most events will be held in late spring or summer. Here are some of the larger ones planned:
June 6 at a time to be determined. A free concert will be held at Erie Insurance Arena with a “major touring act,” Oler said.
July 2 at a time to be determined. The U.S. Brig Niagara, escorted by other vessels, will sail into Presque Isle Bay following a one-year repair and restoration project in Maine. Gov. Josh Shapiro has been invited to attend.
July 3 at 10 p.m. Lights Over Lake Erie at Dobbins Landing. The annual fireworks display will incorporate aspects of America 250, Oler said.
Aug. 13-14. Hagen History Center will host an Oliver Hazard Perry symposium and open a permanent Perry exhibit.
Sept. 12. Hagen History Center will host an America 250-themed gala, “A Night at the Museum.”
Fireworks explode above the Bicentennial Tower during Lights Over Lake Erie in Erie on July 3. The 2026 event will also celebrate America 250.
The committee also is working with various municipal governments and museums to schedule smaller events, Oler said.
“One example here in Harborcreek is that we have weekly concerts at Whitford Park in the summer,” Oler said. “On July 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., we will have a jazz band play patriotic music.”
More local America 250 events will be added to the schedule, as well, Oler said.
Contact David Bruce at dbruce@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNBruce.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Fireworks, return of Brig Niagara helps Erie celebrate America 250