Perry 200

This year where I live, we're celebrating the 200th anniversary of Admiral Oliver Hazard Perry's success in The Battle of Lake Erie.  Although it was a pivotal point in The War of 1812, it happened in 1813.  The actual battle took place at Put-In Bay in Ohio, but ships were built and repaired AND troops were assembled on Presque Isle - which we simply call the peninsula - here in Erie, Pa.

Oliver Hazard Perry is somewhat of a local hero.  There is a school named after him, a street named after him and a highway named after him.  We have a statue of him in our town square which is also named after him - Perry Square.  There's a memorial for him on the tip of Presque Isle.

Last Saturday was the kick off for many activities scheduled for this summer commemorating the 200th anniversary of The Battle of Lake Erie.  It's called Perry 200.  We had the most incedible Memorial Day Parade.  There were 200 units and over 3000 participants.  We had the big balloons like they have at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  The parade lasted over 2-1/2 hours.  This is just the first of many events going on during the summer.  It will culminate with
The Tall Ships Festival in early September.

If anyone is looking for something fun and different to do this summer, check out what's going on in Erie, Pa at www.Perry200.com.  The celebrations are going to be worth it.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day.

Love,  Paula