As we head toward the start of the Tall Ships Festival, we wanted to look back at the first event of its kind, Tall Ships Erie 1994.
After a smaller trial event the year before, this would put Erie on the tall ships map. As Eric Johnson reported on July 8, 1994, the parade of sail was an exciting start.
Preparations begin for Tall Ships Erie 2025
With their masts towering above the east bay channel, the tall ships led by the Flagship Niagara made their way through Presque Isle Bay around 5:30 that afternoon.
A sight that brought thousands to the Erie Bayfront. But the welcoming crowd that day was likely nothing like the crowds that made Erie home that weekend…