Good morning, Erie.

Waldameer Park and Water World opens on May 2 with new dining options like Taco Galopante and the returning Paratrooper ride.

Water World will start improvements on May 23 with Winding Waters ahead of the park celebrating its 130th season and the Comet marking 75 years.

National Fuel Gas is negotiating to purchase the East Lake Road office building (formerly home to International Paper’s Hammermill plant) to expand space for more local jobs.

VisitErie named Mark Jeanneret interim CEO after former leader John Oliver retired last year (2025), and the organization will continue its local initiatives under his leadership.

Erie offers a busy May with Seinfeld’s show at the Warner Theatre on May 15 and the Troika Festival—featuring food, drinks and folk dance—at the Church of the Nativity Community Center from May 22 to 24; Glow Wild at the Zoo and plays at the Playhouse complete the lineup.

Experts predict that gas prices will remain high nationwide due to supply disruptions from the Iran war (with the national average at $4.30 per gallon on April 30) and global market pressures, which means Erie drivers are likely to see no price drops until the end of 2026.

Mercyhurst University hosted its Illumination Annual Student Scholarship Symposium on Thursday, April 23 where students from departments such as Sports Medicine, Business + Computing showcased research to build real-world experience.

A USA TODAY analysis shows that winters in Pennsylvania now have between 13 and 33 fewer freezing days than in 1956 — based on NOAA data from 250 cities.

This shift may affect weather and local conditions in the coming months.

Ray Dickerson, a two-time PIAA champion (who still holds city track records), will be inducted into the Erie Sports Hall of Fame on June 24 at the Zem Zem Shrine Club.

The former star of Technical Memorial and Academy recalls key lessons from his coaches.

A letter to the editor from Erie urges Mercyhurst University to address parking shortages affecting attendance at Division I sports events due to a limited on-campus lot.

Fans hope that future plans will include building additional parking garages nearby.

Book Signing with Janet Pawlowski

10 AM - 12 PM — Werner Books and Coffee — Free entry — Explore children's wellness through a heartwarming book by a local author.

JA’s Annual Erie County Bowl-A-Thon

6-8 p.m. — Eastway Lanes — Minimum $100 team registration — A night of bowling, food, prizes, and fun awaits at this charitable event.

Second Saturday Tower Climb

10 AM – 3 PM — Erie Land Lighthouse — Pay-what-you-wish — Explore the lighthouse with interactive educational activities and scenic tower climbs.

Felines & Wines Fundraiser

12-4 p.m. — Erie Zoo — Ticketed event — Sample local wines while supporting big cat conservation and enjoying live music and animal training demos.