ECGRA Supports Annual Events that Promote Erie Identity and Sense of Place
The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) announced $193,049 in grant funding to special events in Erie. ECGRA helps to fund many festivals in Erie County that solidify Erie's identity and sense of place. The event was held at St. Paul's Activity Center, the location of Erie's iconic Italian Festival.
"When you think of Erie, and what it means to live here, some of your most visceral memories are tied to our events and festivals," said ECGRA Executive Director Perry Wood. "Today we've impacted not just the special events, but Erie's sense of place and countless memories of Erieites."
Special events promote a sense of community and inclusiveness, and often generate an influx of dollars from outside Erie County resulting in local economic growth and improved quality of place for Erie residents. As part of a strategy to strengthen the economy, special events help increase our ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce, spur investments from the private sector, stabilize land and housing prices, and increase civic pride.
"ECGRA has impacted festivals such as the Italian Festival that have become a tradition in Erie," said Brian Ferraro of St. Paul's Italian Festival. "Everyone awarded today is helping to maintain the foundation of what it means to live in Erie."
For a full list of 2025 Special Events, click here.
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