Tis the season for celebration in Vermilion
By MARILOU SUSZKO
Main Street Vermilion
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Vermilion and Main Street Vermilion is working to bring back family friendly events and create new traditions.
“We’re ready to invite the community to gather to celebrate, explore the downtown and get into the holiday spirit,” said Pam Reese, MSV Light Up Vermilion coordinator. “We’re excited about not only welcoming back the familiar but adding new and fresh elements of surprise and fun.”
The Main Street’s holiday events kick off on Saturday, Nov. 27, with the return of
Shop Small Saturday, an event that encourages people to support local retailers, shops and restaurants.
“It’s always important but this year, we think it’s even more so as businesses work to recover after more than a year the impacts of COVID,” said Reese.
The following week brings Light Up Vermilion from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, throughout Downtown. “This family-friendly event has something for everyone,” said Reese.
Main Street Vermilion is also excited to be hosting the Community Christmas Tree lighting in Exchange Park that night. Besides a new look and location, the tree is sponsored by multiple community organizations, a wonderful collaboration that bring the community together in a variety of ways.
Times and locations for all of Vermilion’s upcoming holiday events can be online at mainstreetvermilion.org
Saturday, Nov. 27
Shop Small Saturday – Downtown shopping and the Vermilion Arts Guild Holiday Show with original gifts of art including paintings and photography, prints, ceramics, jewelry, and gifts.
Santa Arrives on Scarlet, the bright red boat – A uniquely Vermilion tradition, Santa cruises the Vermilion River beginning at 10 a.m. aboard Scarlet, the bright red Christmas Boat arranged by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. Captain Edwards and Elva will also be on board ready to share a special story about a Vermilion Christmas during Story Time with Sid. The boat pulls into East Exchange Park landing at 11 a.m. where hot chocolate from Martino’s International and sweets from Miss Kitty’s and Dunkin’ Donuts await along with a chance to take photos.
Lunch with Santa – Lunch with Santa at Quaker Steak and Lube at 2 p.m. Reservations not necessary. For information call, 440.967.3724
Thursday, Dec. 2
Light Up Vermilion 5-8 p.m. throughout Downtown Vermilion – An eevening filled with a family-friendly activities, shopping and dining and more. Stores and restaurants will be open late. Here’s what’s happening throughout the evening.
Community Christmas Tree Lighting, 6 p.m. – Main Street Vermilion is hosting this long-standing tradition, moving the festivities to the heart of downtown in Exchange Park. Thank you to the following organizations and businesses partnering with Main Street Vermilion on this holiday happening: Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Harbourtown, City of Vermilion, Vermilion Teachers Association, and Erie and Anchor.
Santa Comes to Downtown – Santa’s here to help with the Community Tree Lighting, arriving in the center of town by fire truck. Bring your camera to take your own photos with Santa.
Free Christmas Concert – The Ritter Public Library will host its annual concert performed by the Vermilion Community Band under the direction of George Harizal. Held on the first floor of the library, arrive at 7 p.m. for a seat.
Vote for your favorite window display – Vermilion businesses put their best displays forward during the holidays. We’re asking you to vote for your favorite and help a local business owner win a cash prize. Stop in Main Street during Light Up Vermilion to pick up your ballot,
Scavenger Hunt – Pick up clues at Main Street before you venture out for Light Up Vermilion. Those who discover all the hidden treasures will be put into a drawing to win $50.
Christmas Alpacas – Vermilion’s answer to reindeer, alpacas are sweet, gentle wide eyed and love to be petted. You’ll find their decorated pen in Exchange Park. Stop and visit that evening.
Candy Canes for Everyone! – The Kingston Lion will be strolling around downtown with candy canes to make sure that your night ends on a sweet note.
Christmas Carolers – The sounds of Christmas will be throughout the downtown courtesy of carolers from Grace United Methodist Church and Vermilion E & R.
Chestnuts Roasting – Vermilion Rotary Club introduces this old-fashioned Christmas treat to Light Up Vermilion visitors. Sweet, buttery and soft, the members will be roasting and sharing throughout the night be sure to stop by for a free taste.
Letters to Santa Mailbox – Stop at Main Street from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve and add your letter to the special mailbox on Main Street’s porch.
For information on any of Main Street Vermilion’s holiday events, visit MainStreetVermilion.org/LUV, Facebook, or Instagram, or call 440-963-0772.
