As America turns 250, celebratory events are planned throughout Erie County and go beyond fireworks. Find events, guides and stories about Erie’s role in the nation’s history all in one place.
From free concerts to fireworks over Lake Erie, northwestern Pennsylvania is ready to mark America’s 250th with a bang.
Erie County is steeped in history, with ties to the French and Indian War and the War of 1812. Erie is also home to Presque Isle State Park, which offers swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and more outdoor recreational activities.
What makes this July 4 different
This July 4th holiday will mark the 250th birthday of America. Throughout Erie County, various events and celebrations are planned to mark the historic milestone.
Erie County has multiple connections to our nation’s history. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, became a national hero after he defeated a British squadron during the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.
The Perry Monument, built on Presque Isle State Park’s Crystal Point in 1926, commemorates the valor of the U.S. Naval officer, who overwintered from 1813-14 on what is now known as Misery Bay.
Predating America’s formation, a young George Washington traveled to Waterford, Pennsylvania in 1753 to urge the French to abandon their frontier fort, Fort LeBeouf.
The French did not heed Washington’s warning, and stayed at not only Fort LeBoeuf but at a line of forts stretching from the Great Lakes to the Ohio River valley.
More: Visit site where the French and Indian War might have been prevented
The majority of the outposts would burn during the decade-long French and Indian War that began in spring 1754.
Today, a statue of George Washington is found in downtown Waterford in Washington Park, and it’s the only known sculpture of the nation’s first president in a British uniform.
USA 250: Read, explore and celebrate with our weekly newsletter
The world’s largest steam locomotive still in operation will make a stop in North East on June 9 as part of its coast-to-coast tour this summer. The Union Pacific train called Big Boy No. 2014, is one of eight still in existence and the only one still in operation.
The Union Pacific locomotive will stop at the Lake Shore Railway Museum at 11:30 a.m. and will depart at 11:40 a.m.
Union Pacific’s Big Boy, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, pulls out of the Cheyenne rail yard as it begins a two-month trip to the East Coast for national 250th celebrations.
Where to Celebrate
Celebrations are planned throughout Erie County. Here is a list of events ranging from baseball games to historical reenactments. Events are being held throughout June and July, and we’ve listed a sampling of events below. A list of additional events can be found at visiterie.com.
The Brig Niagara will return July 2, and a celebratory sail to welcome the flagship back. The vessel will remain in Erie for the duration of the July 4th celebrations.
Lights Over Lake Erie return July 3 at 10 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from the Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing and will be viewable from points along the Bayfront.
On July 4 at 2:30 p.m., Daniel Meyer will conduct the Erie Philharmonic at Bayview Park. This concert will be a patriotic pops performance.
To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the Presque Isle 250 exhibit will be displayed on the second floor of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center June 1 through Aug. 31. The exhibit highlights the role Presque Isle State Park played during the United States semiquincentennial. Journals, newspaper articles and photos illustrating the story of Presque Isle will be on display.
More: How is Erie celebrating America 250? Here are some of the events
Only Here
Erie County celebrations include live music, fireworks and events with a northwestern Pennsylvania flair.
Lights Over Lake Erie returns July 3, with fireworks starting at 10 p.m. Sponsored by the City of Erie and Mercyhurst University, the fireworks will be launched from Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing and are viewable from various points along the Bayfront.
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Classic southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band will perform at the Rebich Investments Amphitheater at 6:30 p.m. July 3 as part of the America250PA celebration. The outdoor concert is presented in partnership with Rebich Investments and Erie Events.
Plan your day
Planning to take in the fireworks? The city recommends parking south of the Bayfront parkway, and making your way to your preferred viewing area on foot. Street and ramp parking is available downtown.
Drivers should not plan on parking in public parking areas in or around Dobbins landing, as large crowds are expected and portions of the street and parking lots will be closed.
EMTA will be providing shuttle service to Dobbins landing from 8 p.m. to midnight for those with disabilities and transportation needs. The trolley loop includes the following stops:
East side of Perry Square along French Street
West side of Perry Square along Peach Street
Intermodal Transportation Center, 208 E. Bayfront Parkway
Lincoln Park-n-Ride, Lincoln Avenue and the Bayfront Parkway, and
Liberty Park-n-Ride, Liberty Park, 282 W. Bayfront Parkway
For additional information, visit https://www.erie.pa.us/lights_over_lake_erie/index.php.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Erie County