Day two of Celebrate Erie brought big crowds to downtown Erie Saturday for food, fun, live music, and the annual Chalk Walk.
The evening’s headliner, the Plain White T’s, drew a packed crowd to State Street, bringing their hits to the Celebrate Erie mainstage.
The band’s Erie appearance is part of a busy tour schedule, with the Plain White T’s set to head to Thunder Bay, Canada, for their next stop on Sept. 12.
Before the headliner took the stage, local band Daytona Beach 2000 kicked off the evening’s concert lineup, giving Erie-area musicians a chance to perform on the mainstage.
Trevor Vogt, singer and bass player for Daytona Beach 2000, said performing downtown creates a special atmosphere.
“It’s really something to fill the streets with people, and it just transforms into a complete different vibe so well. It’s awesome this year because we’re looking at the tower, so it’s even just more iconic looking straight down, you’ve got the Warner right there. It was awesome.”
Earlier in the day, local artists put the finishing touches on their chalk murals for the annual Chalk Walk.
Celebrate Erie visitors had the chance to vote for their favorite pieces, with artists saying the event has evolved alongside the city while continuing to bring the community together.
Local artist Sydney Dietz said the changes have helped the event grow while maintaining traditions that keep people coming back.
“It’s changed quite a bit. I love seeing change. I think it helps the event continue to grow and move forward, but they do keep a lot of the same things, too, which is really good, because that’s what keeps people coming back.”
Ella Whaling’s piece, sponsored by ECGRA, took first place. Jesse McLanahan’s piece for Crossroads Treatment Center placed second, while Jim Logan’s S&S Insulation piece finished third.
The Chalk Walk artwork will remain on display Sunday for Celebrate Erie attendees to see.
Sunday’s mainstage lineup includes Steamroller: The James Taylor Tribute at 5 p.m., followed by Al Jardine & The Pet Sounds Band at 6:30 p.m.
For more information about Celebrate Erie, visit the link below: