Good morning, Erie.

Friday morning, the Coast Guard and local emergency services rescued four people from a flipped boat about 8 miles off Walnut Creek Marina access in Fairview on Lake Erie—receiving a call at 9:30 a.m. and deploying dive teams and a helicopter at 11:15 a.m.—with no injuries reported.

Erie is set to host the Tall Ships Erie Festival from Aug.21-24 at Dobbins Landing+where nine tall ships will offer day sails and a Parade of Sail starting Aug.21 from 4-6 p.m., including a historic schooner led by an Erie native.

The festival will also feature Mama Duck, an 11-ton, six-story giant duck+and a 10-foot inflatable companion displayed near Dobbins Landing, drawing local visitors to the bayfront.

St. Paul Italian Fest kicked off Friday at Saint Paul's Catholic Church in Little Italy (1617 Walnut Street) with Italian dishes, traditional dancers, vendors, and a mass.

The free event honored longtime contributor Ron Divechio and will continue today from noon to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Erie County school districts have set the first day for kindergarten—most schools will start in late August while a few will begin in early September.

Bethel Christian School will open on Aug. 20 and Erie Day School will begin on Sept. 2.

The Hagen History Center transformed 50 acres in Girard into a field with over 1.2 million sunflowers in full bloom that has drawn thousands of visitors.

The center hosted events like picnics, dinners and art classes and plans to expand the attraction—President Caleb Pifer said it will help connect the community to downtown Girard.

PennDOT announced that crews will begin nighttime paving on Upper Peach Street, Route 19, between Oliver Road and Robinson Road starting Sunday, August 10 from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. — they will then work on the Bayfront Connector from 12th Street, Route 5, to Buffalo Street in Erie.

Both projects will require lane restrictions and flagger-controlled traffic and are expected to last about a week, so drivers should slow down.

Erie County Executive Brenton Davis said that 25 tiny homes on the 400 block of East 16th Street remain empty because city officials have not approved the project—City Development Director Chris Groner said the county never submitted the needed plans and stressed that building codes must be followed to prevent future issues. The stalled project leaves many unsheltered as temperatures rise and a compromise is needed for the homes to be used.

Erie seeks to add City Hall to the National Register of Historic Places, said historic preservation planner Matthew Falcone—he explained that the move will help protect the landmark building and guide future renovations.

Today, with school nearly in session, Erie pediatrician Dr. Nadia Asif tells parents to vaccinate their children against flu and COVID during annual physicals—this step helps reduce the spread of germs in close classroom settings.

She also reminds families that frequent handwashing is key to preventing illness.

Reyburn Jr. Sailing Banquet

6-9 p.m. — Erie Yacht Club — Celebrate the 2025 Reyburn Jr. Sailing Season with fellow enthusiasts.

First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Training

10 AM - 7 PM — Erie County Public Library - Blasco Memorial Library — Course fee applies — Become a certified instructor and share lifesaving skills with others.

Tall Ships Erie 2025

4-day festival — August 21-24 — Erie Maritime Museum — $ — Experience the majesty of magnificent ships racing in the Tall Ships Challenge on the Great Lakes.

LEAF Open Market

10 AM – 2 PM — Frontier Park — Free entry — Explore a vibrant outdoor farmer's market featuring local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts.

Reminiscent at Erie Downtown Music Series

6-9 p.m. — Perry Square — Free entry — Enjoy a Motown tribute concert while relaxing in the park with food and community spirit.

First To Eleven Live Concert

6-10 p.m. — BIGBAR — No cover before 9 p.m. — Experience First to Eleven performing your rock favorites in the Happy Hour Concert Series.

Gem City Renaissance Festival

10 AM – 4 PM — Frontier Park — Cash recommended — Experience a vibrant one-day Renaissance festival in Erie with themed outfits and local vendors.

Hotel California Tribute Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the legendary sound of The Eagles performed by the acclaimed tribute band HOTEL CALIFORNIA.

Erie Marathon

7 AM – 1 PM — Presque Isle State Park — $5-$100 — Experience the energetic atmosphere of the Erie Marathon and support local runners.