The Firefighter Challenge United States National Championship, hosted by Snap-tite Hose and the City of Erie, will take place Wednesday through Saturday at Perry Square and is free for spectators.
Firefighters from around the world, including competitors traveling as far away as New Zealand, will compete on a timed course featuring a five-story stair climb, hose drags and other real emergency scenarios. Over 175 firefighters are expected to compete. The Firefighter Challenge United States National Championship follows Erie’s hosting of the 2025 Northeast Regional Firefighter Challenge Classic.
“After hosting the 2025 Northeast Region Classic Firefighter Challenge last August the decision to return to Erie was an easy one. Everyone we worked with was eager to help, and the community’s enthusiasm and engagement made the event a tremendous success,” said Melissa Campbell, chief engagement officer of the Firefighter Challenge League.
Open practice sessions begin at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and at 7:30 a.m. on Friday. The Individual Category Qualifying Round is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday and will continue beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday followed by Tandem Team Category Title Championship at 1 p.m. Friday’s Local Corporate Team Run is at 9 a.m., followed by the Relay Category Championship following at 9:30 a.m. An award ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at Erie Insurance. Saturday's opening ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Individual Category Championship Title Finale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, click here.
The Motordrome on the Bay will make its Erie debut Saturday at Lake Erie Speedway in North East. The event features vintage motorcycles, some more than 100 years old, racing around an oval track without brakes or a transmission. Races will take place from noon to 3 p.m., with 40 riders competing across five classes. All competitors will travel from outside Erie County.
“We are excited to introduce Erie to The Motordrome on the Bay,” said Kelsey Jackson, race director for The Motordrome on the Bay. “This event brings something truly unique to the area and gives the community a chance to experience the excitement of antique motorcycle racing up close.”
There is a VIP meet and greet session scheduled from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
The Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit Classic will take place Saturday on the waters of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. The event serves as the season-ending championship of the Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit. The top 25 teams that finished in at least four tournaments throughout the season will be participating in Erie’s competition.
Anglers will begin arriving at the West Pier Marina at 5 a.m. with tournament competition getting underway at 7 a.m. Participants will travel from western Pennsylvania and Ohio, with many arriving a few days before the event. For more information, click here.
