Perry 200 Commemoration | The Beauty Around Us

Tall Ships Erie 2013: Parade of Sail

I accompanied my friends, Marge and Neil, and their friend Nancy to Erie this past Thursday afternoon. The purpose of our trip to Erie was to watch the Tall Ships Erie “Parade of Sail”. Thousands of spectators viewed the Parade of Sail from along the Erie bayfront, the North Pier, South Pier and from areas throughout Presque Isle State Park. Marge, Neil, Nancy and I met Marge’s friend, Carol, and Carol’s husband and sister-in-law at the South Pier. The South Pier (indicated by the letter “A” in the map shown below) borders the channel leading into and out of Presque Isle Bay.

Nine majestic tall ships, led by the U.S. Brig Niagara, entered the channel from an assembly point located about two miles northwest of the Presque Isle Bay channel entrance, just off the tip of Presque Isle State Park.

Parade of Sail begins, with the U.S. Brig Niagara in the lead

U.S. Brig Niagara / Erie, PA

Lynx / Portsmouth, NH

Pride of Baltimore II / Baltimore, MD

Pride of Baltimore II cannon shot

Friends Good Will / South Haven, MI

Hindu / Provincetown, MA and Key West, FL

Unicorn / Bridgeport, CT

Peacemaker / Brunswick, GA

Appledore IV / Bay City, MI

Sorlandet / Kristiansand, Norway

For years I have wanted to see the U.S. Brig Niagara on Lake Erie, with its sails unfurled. The U.S. Brig Niagara and all but one tall ship had their sails unfurled. What a majestic sight it was and what an unforgettable day!

Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade: Divison 9

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!

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. This blog post showcases photographs from Division 9.

Girard American Legion Post 494 Color Guard

WCTL Radio mascot

The Port Dover Museum Puppets were a surprise to me. In addition to the big helium balloons, I had never seen puppets of this size before.

Port Dover Museum Puppets

Port Dover Museum Puppets. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words …

Port Dover Museum Puppets

The last big helium balloon in the Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade was Michael the Eagle balloon.

Michael the Eagle Balloon

Thus concludes my coverage of the Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade. I do believe attendance at this parade to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for me. I am so happy that Bob and I were able to see this parade!

My coverage of the parade has ended; however, I wanted to share one more photograph with you. As I am sure you noticed, it was a beautiful day for a parade. The evening ended beautifully as well.

Sunset, as viewed from our room at The Avalon Hotel

Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade: Division 8

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!

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. This blog post showcases photographs from Division 8.

Warren Company (a steel service company) float

Erie Festival of the Arts float

Elvis lives!
Elvis Tribute Artist riding on 1968 Cobra

American Eagle Balloon

Bob Evans Restaurants float

Elevate Church

Erie County Mudmashers

Wild Rose Renaissance Faire

This fair, which is in its 7th year, is held not too far from where we live. We have never attended this fair. The fair is held 4 weekends next month: June 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 and 29-30.

Sparkettes Marching Group

Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade: Division 7

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!

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. This blog post showcases photographs from Division 7.

General McLane High School Band

General McLane School District float

General McLane School District parade participants

General McLane School District

Uncle Sam Balloon

Jolly Jester Clowns

The last 5 photographs are of the Woodland String Band Philadelphia Mummers.

Woodland String Band (Mummers)

Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade: Division 6

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!

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. This blog post showcases photographs from Division 6.

Erie Homes for Children and Adults float

Wacongo (African Drums Musical Unit)

This musical unit was vibrant and full of life. I enjoyed listening to the drums and watching the dancers perform.

There were a few historical figures, pertinent to Erie’s past, who walked in the parade as well.

Jerrold the Bookworm Balloon

The Romantic Era band

This 7-piece pop rock band energized the parade participants.

Spectators loved The Romantic Era Band

Commodore Perry Yacht Club parade participants

Commodore Perry Yacht Club parade participant

Ft Lebeouf High School Band

Erie Housing Authority float

Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade: Division 5

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!

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. This blog post showcases photographs from Division 5.

Alex Power Sports float

McDowell High School Marching Band

Frank Sumatra the Tiger Balloon

Erie’s Black Community float (c/o Second Baptist Church)

Bike Erie Coalition (historical bikes)

S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie float

Perry 200 Grand Patriotic Parade: Division 4

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!

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. This blog post showcases photographs from Division 4.

Patriotic Stars Balloon

See those people on the ledge beside the balloon? That is the Avalon Hotel, where Bob and I spent 2 nights while in Erie. Only hotel staff were allowed on that ledge. Too bad! I could have gotten some great photographs from there!