North East Area Chamber of Commerce: Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is the town called North East?
North East was originally called Burgettstown, changed in 1819 to Gibsonville, and finally incorporated as the Borough of North East in 1834. The name refers to our position in the northeastern corner of Erie County.

When is the Cherry Festival, the Rib Fest, and the Wine Festival?
The Cherry Festival is scheduled for the week following the 4th of July (in 2006 the dates are July 11-15), the Rib Fest is generally the fourth weekend of August (in 2006 the dates are August 25-27), and the Wine Festival is always the last full weekend in September (in 2006 the dates are September 22-24).

When are cherries, peaches, grapes, apples, etc. ready and where can we pick them?
Sweet cherries are generally ready for picking around the 4th of July, with sour cherries a week or so later. Peaches are ready in mid- to late August, Concord grapes are ready in mid-to late September, and apples ripen from late August through October, depending on the variety. NOTE: Weather plays a critical part in agriculture; always confirm that a crop is ready before you travel to harvest. The Horticultural Society produces a list of Erie County farms, the produce, and whether it is available for "u-pick". The list is available in the Chamber office.

Can we tour Welch's or the wineries?
Welch's is not open for tours, but the wineries are open year-round for tours and tastings.

How do I get visitor/relocation information?
Just send a request to the Chamber office, enclosing what type of information is desired.

What exit on I-90 is for North East?
The exits on Interstate 90 were reordered a few years ago, so some maps may have old information. The old exit numbers were #11 for Rt. 89 and #12 for Rt. 20 at the New York State line. The new exit numbers are #41 for Rt. 89 and #45 for Rt. 20 at the New York State line.

Is there a beach or pool with a lifeguard?
Halli Reid Park, on Lake Erie, is a guarded beach from early June until Labor Day. There is no outdoor public pool, however there are hours during which the indoor pool at the school district may be used by the public.

Does the Chamber accept old phone books for recycling?
Yes, and used eyeglasses and cell phones as well. The phone books benefit the Lake Shore Railway Museum, the eyeglasses support the Lyons Club, and the cell phones support the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.

North East Area Chamber of Commerce
21 South Lake Street
North East, PA 16428
PH: 814.725.4262 - FX: 814.725.3994 EM: info@nechamber.org