Good morning, Erie.

Work began in March at Presque Isle State Park to replace old beach restrooms at three beaches and upgrade the Perry Monument area.

Beaches 10 and 11 will be done by September and Beach 6 begins Sept. 8 for completion before next swimming season — Perry upgrades set for September.

Erie-area ice cream stands kick off the season as spring arrives; Connie’s Ice Cream and Dairy Supreme are open now while Creamland, The Double Dipper, and Maria’s Tasty Delights begin operations today or soon — residents can check local hours for details.

Today, Rite Aid relaunched its website that no longer offers pharmacy services but now provides twice-yearly blood screenings for $349 per year.

The online service partners with Quest + Private MD Labs, and prescription services will be announced later without plans for brick and mortar stores.

Erie Events announced the 2026 lineup for 8 Great Tuesdays, a free outdoor concert series set for weekly summer evenings at Liberty Park.

Concerts start at 6:30 p.m. with local and tribute bands while a free shuttle runs from the Erie Intermodal Transportation Center.

Erie will host a packed spring and early summer arts schedule from April through June with comedy, music, and theater performances at venues like Kellar's Modern Magic and Comedy Club and the Warner Theatre (ticket prices vary by event).

Updated details will be provided as new shows are announced.

Erie School District previewed the $35.5 million Edison Elementary School on East Lake Road during a March 18 tour that showed modern classrooms, flexible seating, a gym, a 160-seat cafeteria, and a tornado-safe area; it preserves design elements from the old building (measured to the inch) and will open soon.

Erie City Council will vote on April 15 on the waterfront conditional use approval for a $32 million AC Marriott hotel planned by Scott Enterprises as part of the Harbor Place project on the east bayfront near the Hampton Inn and Blasco Library.

Kevin Bartlett, chief of Greenfield Volunteer Fire Company, accepted a $975,000 federal check on March 31 from Rep. Mike Kelly to fund a new station in North East.

Jake Rouch, who spent 23 years at the Erie Regional Chamber (he left in October), is starting as vice president of development with Passport Realty LLC today.

He will join the Commercial and Industrial Real Estate team to boost local business opportunities.

Former SeaWolves announcer Greg Gania, known for calling games as the soundtrack of summer, is moving to the Detroit Tigers — local fans praised his promotion and all the support for his next chapter in sports.

Easter Paint & Sip at Deer Creek Winery

6-8 p.m. — Deer Creek Winery at Millcreek Mall Complex — Cost varies — Unleash your creativity with Easter-themed painting while enjoying fine wine.

49th Annual Erie Area Spring Conference

3 PM – 12 PM — Ambassador Center — Registration required — Attend the spring conference featuring various activities and networking opportunities.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop

2:30-5 p.m. — Hampton Inn Erie-South — Materials Provided — Create your own stunning Turkish mosaic lamp in a fun and relaxing workshop.