Good morning, Erie.

McDowell graduate James Conner, an NFL running back who will start his ninth season, led a youth clinic at his alma mater on Saturday to share his skills and advice with local youths.

On June 28, Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner held his fourth annual youth football camp at his varsity alma mater (Gus Anderson Field) where he briefly played quarterback for young athletes ages seven to 17.

He praised the community support and noted that his own battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma has inspired the upcoming District 10 courage award to bear his name.

Two new restaurants have opened in North East as Blue Pike Grille now serves lunch and dinner at a marina and Dawn Van Scoter opens Toast as a breakfast and lunch spot.

Lavery Brewing Co. bought Basement Transmissions to host live music this summer, the Eagle Hotel in Waterford will reopen as the Eagle of Waterford early July (after a $50,000 upgrade), The Buzz of Union City will open a new cafe at Copperleaf, and Picasso’s in Millcreek is selling cereal-flavored ice cream.

Cleve Wright was enshrined in the Metro Erie Sports Hall of Fame for his sustained success as the women's basketball coach at Gannon University—an honor that recognizes his longtime impact on local sports.

Fred Vickey, who influenced District 10's aquatics community for over 50 years, was enshrined in the Metro Erie Sports Hall of Fame—he delivered a speech that honored his long-standing commitment to the sport.

Tom Reisenweber—a longtime reporter with Erie Times-News—was inducted in the Metro Erie Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing nearly 20 years of sports coverage.

Erie Sky Lantern Festival

10:00 PM – 2:30 AM — 123 E Main St, North East, PA — Ticket purchase required — Experience a breathtaking evening of lanterns, entertainment, and community support.

Lighthouse Paint & Sip

6-8 p.m. — Deer Creek Winery Tasting Room at Millcreek Mall — Cost info not specified — Unleash creativity while enjoying delicious wine and painting in a relaxed atmosphere.

Presque Isle Half Marathon

6:45-10:00 a.m. — Presque Isle: Beach #1 — Registration Required — Experience a scenic half marathon along Lake Erie with a race shirt and refreshments.

Virtual Q&A with Author Audrey Ingram

6:30 p.m. — Werner Books and Coffee — Free entry — Engage in an interactive virtual discussion with author Audrey Ingram about her book, The Summer We Ran.

Lake Erie Cyclefest

Thu, Jul 24 – Sun, Jul 27 — Perry Square Park, Erie, PA — Check website for entry fee — An all-cycling weekend showcasing Erie’s stunning landscapes on safe routes.