Are you ready to feel the Bern?

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will appear today at a rally at the Bayfront Convention Center.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m., although a start time for the event itself was not available late Monday. It is free and open to the public, but the campaign strongly encourages reservations at http://bit.ly/1WbnCz0. Admission is first come, first served.

Sanders, 74, a senator from Vermont, is stopping in Erie on the day of the New York primary, which is considered key to his campaign, and a week before Pennsylvania's primary.

Recent polls show him trailing former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton -- his opponent for the Democratic nomination -- by several points in New York. Nevertheless, Sanders will strive today to galvanize voters here before Pennsylvania holds its primary on April 26.

Bill Cole, chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, is expecting a crowd.

"I think he will have a healthy turnout," Cole said, adding that Sanders' visit to Erie is a "big win" for the area.

"I think it's excellent that he's coming. There are a lot of Democrats here," Cole said. "He energized a demographic that needs to be energized, like young folks and small donors."

Attendees are asked not to bring bags and to limit personal items to such things as keys and cell phones. Limited free parking is available on site, and paid parking is available at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront's ramp. Trolley service is available to the convention center from Liberty Park.

Sanders' appearance follows campaign stops in Erie over the past 12 days by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a Republican presidential candidate, and by President Bill Clinton on behalf of his wife. Sanders' campaign said he will address the issues that have become a hallmark of his presidential bid, like tuition-free college, combating climate change, universal health care and getting money out of politics.

NICO SALVATORI can be reached at 870-1726 or by e-mail. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNsalvatori.