Lake Erie ports look to host tall ships in 2013 celebration

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

Ports along Lake Erie in northern Ohio, Michigan and Canada are hoping to be selected as hosts for tall ships traveling to the lake in 2013 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the U.S. victory over the British in the Battle of Lake Erie.

At least 10 ports already have applied to host the sailing vessels during the two-week bicentennial celebration beginning Labor Day weekend in 2013. The event is expected to draw thousands of people to Lake Erie.

The celebration will commemorate the Sept. 10, 1813, battle in which Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led more than 500 sailors to a victory over the British Royal Navy.