Erie’s Bayfront is receiving recognition on a regional stage after being named a finalist in the Coolest of the Great Lakes Pitch Contest, presented by the Great Lakes Economic Development Council during its annual conference in Milwaukee.
VisitErie and the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority partnered to submit a written application and pitch video showcasing the Bayfront’s unique connection to Lake Erie. The presentation highlighted the area’s recreational opportunities, rich maritime history, waterfront attractions, and the experiences available to both residents and visitors.
“Being recognized as a finalist provided a great opportunity to put Erie and our Bayfront in front of state leaders from throughout the Great Lakes region,” said VisitErie President and CEO Mark Jeanneret. “Our Bayfront is where residents and visitors can experience all that Lake Erie has to offer.”
Erie competed against destinations from across the Great Lakes region in the contest’s Coolest Destination category. The top honor ultimately went to the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio.
Even so, local leaders say Erie’s selection as a finalist highlights the growing appeal of the city’s waterfront.
“Being selected as a finalist on a Great Lakes stage reinforces what our community already knows: Erie’s Bayfront is a special place,” said Julie Slomski, executive director of the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority. “We look forward to building on this momentum as we continue investing in and promoting a waterfront that benefits residents and visitors alike.”
Erie County was represented by a second finalist as well. Mazza Vineyards competed in the Coolest Event category for its release of Midnight Herring Underwater Aged Sparkling Wine.
The unique project draws inspiration from Lake Erie’s maritime history. The sparkling wine’s first edition was aged for more than a year at a depth of 130 feet near the Lake Erie shipwreck site of the John J. Boland Jr. vessel.
“Some projects really allow us to come together with our team and flex our creative and adventurous muscles. Midnight Herring is one such project,” said Mario Mazza, vice president and general manager of Mazza Wines. “We are honored to be an ambassador of all of the things that make our little corner of the state on the shore of this Great Lake cool.”
The Coolest of the Great Lakes contest recognizes standout destinations, products, and experiences throughout the Great Lakes region, giving finalists an opportunity to showcase their communities and businesses to a broader regional audience.
The full submission video can be found online here.