Good morning, Erie.

More than 800 people attended the 61st Barber Christmas Ball (A Colorful Christmas theme) on Saturday, Dec.

13 at the Bayfront Convention Center, raising over $124,000 in sponsorships for the Barber National Institute, which supports individuals with disabilities. Stiletto Fire played live to energize the evening.

Visitors can tour Santa’s Castle at the Experience Children's Museum — founded along with the museum by the Junior League of Erie — as a chance to see a piece of local history.

In 1975, Erie saw holiday meal and party costs rise steeply because of the great inflation — a change that makes those prices seem like a bargain today, 50 years later.

Alex Whipple from the Erie County Department of Health said poverty affects both children and adults in the community.

The department is gathering evidence to understand how economic hardship impacts local families (further studies are underway).

Erie County’s new health assessment published today shows ZIP codes with high poverty have increased rates of obesity, depression and low birth-weight babies; the health department (with MHEDS and local agencies) will hold food giveaways and mobile screening events to help low-income residents gain access to healthy food and care.

Families can plan a festive two-hour drive from Erie to five holiday destinations, including Cleveland’s A Christmas Story house, Pittsburgh’s UPMC Rink, Hermitage’s Kraynak’s Christmasland, Indiana’s It’s a Wonderful Life Festival and Buffalo’s Holiday Market with tours and live music.

Holiday Joy Paint & Sip

6-8 p.m. — Deer Creek Winery Tasting Room — $35 per ticket — Unleash your creativity while sipping wine in a festive atmosphere.

Erie Otters vs. Flint Firebirds

7-8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Watch the exciting clash as the Erie Otters take on the Flint Firebirds live at the arena.