If you're at Dobbins Landing this weekend you may look out over Presque Isle Bay and think your eyes are playing tricks on you, but don't worry: those white sails and tall masts are all real.
They are part of the Tall Ships Erie festival, a celebration of local maritime tradition and history. The festival, set for Sept. 9-12, will feature eight ships including Erie's Flagship Niagara.
The public will have the chance to tour and take a ride on the ships, many of which have appeared in various movies and television documentaries.
The event is being organized by the Flagship Niagara League along with a host of local sponsors and will include live music, children's activities and tours of the Erie Maritime Museum.
"Touring the tall ships will be an insight into the world of sail," said festival officials in a press release, "and the chance to hear stories of historic events that surround many of them."
In addition to being a celebration of local maritime history, the festival is steeped in America's historic sea- faring tradition. All participating ships are members of the American Sail Training Association.
The organization is located in Newport Rhode Island, in the house purchased by Comm. Oliver Hazard Perry after his victory in the Battle of Lake Erie.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase at Country Fair locations, the Erie Maritime Museum Gift Shop or online. For online ticketing information, as well as background on the ships, you can visit tallshipserie.com.
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