© 2026 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sideburns Contest To Honor Commodore Perry

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry won a major victory over the British 200 years ago at the Battle of Lake Erie. On Wednesday, the citizens of Erie, Pennsylvania will honor him the best way they know how - with a sideburns contest, ones that look the most like Commodore Perry's famous mutton chops. A victory won't be easy. One contestant, Steve Frezza, sports such convincing chops he once got to play the commodore in a PBS documentary. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.