Good morning, Erie.

On July 11, the police athletic league held its 5th annual Junior Police Academy graduation at City Hall where 18 middle school students trained in hands-on police skills—90% want to be police officers—.

The program began after the shooting of Marchello Woodward and offered training then will add cybersecurity classes next week at Mercyhurst University.

At the North East Cherry Festival, local firefighters are honored with new treats offered by Captain Chris and the Taylor girls, including spicy cheese steak, loaded potato, Atkins Diet-pickel pizza and a unique funnel cake with whipped cream.

The festival parade is today at 2 p.m. and the festivities continue into the evening (featuring local acts such as Queen Olivia’s court and Ironman Flint’s cage dunking to support the firefighters).

A well-known pizza shop has moved to a new location—at the corner of West 6th and Cascade—and taken over the former Virgil’s Plate property.

Perry’s Tavern left its old home at the Flagship City Food Hall and will serve fresh New York-style pizza Wednesday through Sunday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. —owner Elliot Smith said he is happy to reconnect with regular customers—.

Country Fair Flagship store at 32 N Park Row in downtown Erie offers a free freshly baked cookie when the fresh baked cookies sign is on.

Customers get one cookie per person with no purchase required during store hours Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. + the offer is available exclusively at this location.

Protests continue in Erie as residents demand justice for Marchello Woodard—fatally shot by a state parole agent.

Harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay are caused by hot weather combining with agricultural runoff — local officials say the water levels are safe for people but dogs should be kept away to avoid the toxin.

Erie County Health inspected restaurants from July 2 to 9 and found no critical violations — earlier issues at some locations were corrected.

The Erie County Department of Health reported on July 11 that a mosquito sample from the City of Erie tested positive for West Nile virus—this is the second positive test this year, and no human infections have been reported.

The department will continue monitoring mosquitoes and advises residents to remove stagnant water to help reduce the mosquito population.

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.

PokeKon Fest - Erie, PA 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — Quality Inn & Suites Conference Center Across from Casino — $23.18 — An all-day celebration of all things Pokemon in Erie, perfect for trainers of all levels.

Nate Bargatze Live Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Tickets starting at $132 — Experience laughter with Nate Bargatze's signature stand-up comedy style.

Erie District Amateur Championship

Aug 8-10 — The Kahkwa Club — Registration required — Compete in a 54-hole stroke play event for male golfers in Erie.