One of the biggest events of this year will be held in Erie next month when the city hosts its Tall Ships Festival.  It's still a few weeks away, stating on August 22.

 

Erie News Now got a nice preview of the festival because some of the ships that are in Buffalo this holiday weekend will be in Erie next month.

 

The Picton Castle, from Nova Scotia, is one of the ships in Buffalo that will be in Erie next month.  The Picton Castle is special because it's a deep ocean ship and has been around the world seven times.   It recently returned from a worldwide sail.  The crew will love to talk about it when it gets to Erie.

 

"The goal is to sort of sail around and teach people the old-time traditions as they were a century ago.  So that's our focus.  That's what we do,” said Crew Member Gabe St.-Denis.

 

Another ship that will be in Erie beginning August 22 will be the Bluenose II, also from Canada. This ship is a replica of a national treasure in our neighboring country up north. The famous racing ship is featured on Canadian currency.

 

"Our ship is a huge part of Canadian history.  It's on our dime actually and it's on a license plate.  It's a big sailing ambassador for Nova Scotia and Canada,” said Crew Member Abbie Pentz.

 

Judging from the size of the crowds yesterday and today in buffalo, the tall ships festival in that city is already a big success with two more days to go. 

 

Buffalo has 12 ships. Erie's festival will have 15.