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Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade: The Opening

On Saturday afternoon (May 25) the Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade was held in downtown Erie, PA. The parade is one of many events to be held as part of Erie’s Perry 200 Commemoration that honors the 200^th Anniversary of Commodore Oliver Perry’s defeat of the British in the War of 1812. The 1.8 mile parade route traveled east on 12th Street from Cherry to 3rd and State Street through downtown Erie. This historic parade featured more than 20 bands, numerous floats, several marching units, antique cars, giant helium-filled cartoon and patriotic balloons and more. The Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade was the largest and most diverse celebration ever seen on the streets of Erie!

Bob and I walked down to Perry Square at 10:00 am that morning.

Perry Square Fountain

As you can see it was a gorgeous day for a parade.

Don’t let the blue skies, though, fool you. It was a cool day, as evidenced by the attire worn by parade spectators.

The parade didn’t begin until 1:00 pm, but parade spectators showed up well in advance to get a good place from which to view the parade.

We listened to the Erie Thunderbirds Drum & Bugle Corps at Perry Square, as it was warming up for the parade.

At approximately 1:15 pm the Erie Thunderbirds performed opening ceremonies at Perry Square.

As I mentioned earlier, the parade began at 1:00 pm. The start of the parade did not reach Perry Square until approximately 1:40 pm, with Brett Fallon leading the Erie Flash Mob and Dance Elite* Performance Company with music by The Groove.

The Groove

Some of the dancers

Bob took the video of the Erie flash mob, while I took still photographs.

This is where Bob stood, while he videotaped the Erie Flash Mob, as it passed by Perry Square.

The man standing by Bob is Chris. We met him at the parade. He is now my Facebook friend. I stood even higher than Bob and Chris, while I took still photographs of the Erie Flash Mob. I gave my spot to Chris, after photographing the Erie Flash Mob. I didn’t particularly feel comfortable standing a couple feet above ground, leaning against a pole for stability and balance, on a small piece of concrete! Chris ended up standing up there for 3 1/2 hours! Bob and I didn’t stay at Perry Square for the duration of the parade. We watched the parade from various points between Perry Square and 10th and State Street.

There were nine parade divisions — one division for each of the nine American vessels that fought in the Battle of Lake Erie in September 1813. I will showcase photographs from each division in nine separate blog posts.

Brett Fallon Dances

Oh, yes, Brett Fallon dances .. and dances and dances! I have seen Brett dance in person at festivals and in parades. I have seen videos of Brett dancing. Brett has so much energy and breathes the essence of himself into each and every dance.

The other day I saw a video of Brett dancing that took my breath away and placed a feeling of joy deep in my heart.

What an emotion-packed dance. Well done, Brett Fallon!

If you would like to read about Brett Fallon, please visit the official Brett Fallon website.

Ribfest 2010 – Last Day: Dance Elite* Performance Company

Warren held its 7th annual Ribfest last weekend. The Ribfest is a four-day event. Bob and I attended Ribfest each day, beginning on Thursday afternoon (July 15). We listened to Paul Eisert in concert on Thursday afternoon. On Friday we listened to two Rock-n-Roll concerts. The first concert was the band “Jack the Dog”. The second concert was the band “The Earthquakers”. On Saturday we participated in the Thank A Vet Dam Run and listened to the country band “Willow Creek”. Sunday’s events included dance performances by members of the Dance Elite* Performance Company and a Classic Car Show. This blog post showcases the Dance Elite* Performance Company dance performances. My next Ribfest blog post will showcase the Classic Car Show.

On Friday I saw the last few minutes of a dance routine. The dancer performed shortly before the band “Jack the Dog” took the stage. While “Jack the Dog” performed, I walked up close to the stage and photographed the band. I wanted a picture from the other side of the stage. Rather than cross in front of the band, I decided to walk around behind the stage. The dancer was behind the stage. Thinking that I wasn’t supposed to be behind the stage, I quickly said that I was walking to the other side of the stage. The dancer wasn’t concerned that I was behind the stage. He was interested in my camera, stating that I had a nice camera. He asked why I take photographs. I told him that I take photographs because I like doing so, or something to that effect. The dancer asked if I was on Facebook. “Yes”, I said. He then told me that he was a dancer and asked if I would take his picture. He struck a pose, and I took his picture. The dancer is Brett Fallon; he is the Director of the Dance Elite* Performance Company.

Brett Fallon
Director of Dance Elite* Performance Company

On Sunday afternoon we enjoyed watching the dance routines of Brett Fallon and three young dancers. Brett is a very talented dancer. His performance was well choreographed and quite entertaining.

Brett Fallon, Dance Elite* Performance Company dancer

The three young girls danced well. Two of the girls, sisters–one a few years older than the other–, danced together. They complimented each other quite well.