Mac n' Cheese 4 moves to Bayfront Convention Center

Sunday, Mar. 31

Dear Milk-Allergic/Lactose Intolerants: We, the milk-indulgent, feel really, terribly bad about your inability to enjoy macaroni and cheese.

In fact, our newfound sense of pity always seems to surface around this time of year — and we suspect it has something to do with the Erie Philharmonic's widely and wildly popular fundraiser/noodle-*cum-dairy competition, Mac n' Cheese.

This year's event, Mac n' Cheese 4 (so-called because it's the fourth of its name) promises to be the biggest and best yet. From its perch looking down on W. 38th Street, the Zem Zem Shrine Club served as the original location for the event, but almost as soon as Mac n' Cheese 3 wrapped, the event organizers were hinting at even grander digs.

They have delivered, and this year attendees will instead be heading to the Bayfront Convention Center, where there will be not only tons of mac and tons of cheese from local favorites like Room 33 and Pineapple Eddie (vote for your favorite!), but vendors, music, activities for kids and — big sigh of satisfaction — plenty of parking to go around.

As of this printing, the event has sold out, but organizers have promised to keep everyone updated on ticket releases via the Facebook event page. — Cara Suppa

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. // 1 Sassafras Pier // $15 advance, $20 day of, $10 for 12 years and under, Free for 5 and under // eriephil.org