Erie’s Bayfront Landing will see some of the top dancers in the region and some of the east coast’s flashiest speedboats this weekend as the Star Dance Alliance hosts its first Imagine National Dance Challenge event in Erie, and the Erie Poker Run returns for its eighth installment.
“Erie is fortunate to have to have a premier venue, Bayfront Convention Center, on Presque Isle Bay, and another premier venue in the bay itself,” Erie Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Jeanneret said. “As Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off the summer events season, we have two great events taking full advantage of two of Erie’s best assets.”
Erie will serve as the final stop of Imagine National Dance’s regional tour and the final opportunity for dancers to qualify for a Star Dance Alliance National Championship. The event will see dancers aged 5-19 compete in solo, duet/trio and group divisions across multiple skill levels.
Dancing will begin Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and conclude with the final awards session of the day at 6:45 p.m. before a free hip hop master class with Xavier Lewis, an Atlanta-based instructor and choreographer. Competition resumes Sunday at 9 a.m. and will conclude with awards at 11:15 a.m.
“As the Imagine National Dance tour continues expanding, we have always kept our eye on hosting an event in Erie,” Imagine National Dance National Director Shun Moe said. “With the stunning Bayfront Convention Center and Erie’s perfect geographic location, we believe this event could grow into one of the regional tour’s larger events.”
Elite Poker Runs will once again host the 110-mile Erie Poker Run, featuring some of the most impressive speedboats darting around Lake Erie to collect the best poker hand. The waterfront spectacle is free for spectators to attend, with an opportunity to view the boats docked in front of the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Friday and to cheer them on as they depart Saturday at 10 a.m.
“Lake Erie is a fantastic setting for these spectacular boats, and Presque Isle Bay serves as the perfect starting point,” Event Director Tony Scioli said. “We’re excited to once again welcome these boats to Erie’s bayfront for the eighth year.”
More information on these and other upcoming events in Erie, click here.
