Read With Ritter

Ritter Public Library book discussion groups serve as a forum for readers to come together to talk about books and share the reading experience with others. It is a chance for the participant to have a voice and hear the voices of others.

Ritter Reads group is hosted at the library on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 pm and is a discussion based on sharing books you have read and to learn what others are reading. In a sense, it is readers’ advisory among participants.

Join Ritter Public Library to share what you are reading! Engage in open discussion about what you are enjoying (or maybe what you wish you would have liked better), what book you cannot stop thinking about, what character you have been inspired by, or what you have been driven to learn more about! Gather some new ideas for your next read, perhaps explore a new genre, connect with other readers and enjoy lively conversation.

Vermilion Postcard Project

The Postcard Project features 15 big and beautiful, mural-sized recreations of vintage postcards that record local history and the nostalgic scenes that depict Vermilion as a long-time vacation destination. Enjoy a day downtown and all around Vermilion and see the award-winning Postcard Project for yourself.

Stop in at Main Street Vermilion first for your keepsake Tour Guide (a $5 suggested donation).

Postcards 1 through 10 are walkable throughout the historic downtown district.

Postcards 11-14 are located along the eastern corridor of town and can be viewed on foot or by car.

Postcard 15 is located 4.8 miles west of downtown at Beulah Beach, where the grounds are open to the public and the view of the lake is a wonderful way to end your day in Vermilion.

Main Street Vermilion is located at 685 Main Street in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 963-0772 or visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org for more information.

Genealogy Resource Group

Every month, the Genealogy Resource Sharing Group meets at Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion to discuss resources and share tips. Stuck in your family genealogy research? Come join the resource-sharing group and discover new ways to research your history and learn what has worked for others (or not worked so well). Bring resources and research you want to share with the group as everyone helps each other along.

Ritter Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion. Visit ritterpubliclibrary.org for details. Call (440) 967-3798 for more information.

Brewed Awakening Book Social

Copies of each month's book are available at Ritter Public Library's main desk to check out.

Brewed Awakening is located at 5485 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio.

3rd Tuesday Movies

Join Ritter Public Library every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 pm in the Community Engagement Room for a classic movie. Come, sit back, and enjoy a classic film! Ritter will provide the popcorn and the movie. Check the lineup at ritterpubliclibrary.org.

Ritter Public Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 967-3798 for more information.

Winter Season At The Parks

The sledding hill at Vermilion River Reservation is a favorite of northwest Lorain County residents and has been for many years. Visitors will see the hill on their right as they enter the Bacon Woods area of the park. It is a larger-sized hill and that area of the park also has a semi-enclosed shelter nearby to warm up in.

Every single one of Lorain County Metro Parks are open during the winter season and there are plenty of winter activities. Snowshoeing is permitted in all of the parks. Cross-country skiing is also allowed in all of the parks!

Ice A Fair In Vermilion

Experience a day of winter fun in downtown Vermilion with Ice A Fair on Saturday, February 1, 2025 starting at 11 am. Main Street Vermilion's Ice A Fair is the most popular one-day winter event that welcomes families, friends and neighbors to enjoy our Small Town on a Great Lake! You’ll find glistening, custom-carved sculptures throughout walkable downtown. Stop and take a selfie next to your favorites.

Watch the magic happen as artists transform blocks of ice into something spectacular during ice carving demos scheduled throughout the day in downtown Vermilion.

Our small business owners love Ice A Fair. Restaurants feature Ice A Fair specials including wintery cocktails and beers, chili and hearty menus that fit the occasion and season. Plan your visit with our handy list of Vermilion restaurants and shops at mainstreetvermilion.org.

The sky lights up when the sun goes down at Fire & Ice in the center of downtown, a traditional finale to the day’s events.. A giant, skillfully carved chimney of ice stands in the center of downtown. Will the fire that burns inside topple the ice, or will the melting ice douse the flames? Enjoy the suspense, beauty, and spectacular fire dancing performance all set to music for this amazing display.

For more information, visit mainstreetvermilion.org.

Fire & Ice Walk

Vermilion River Reservation’s ‘Fire & Ice Walk’ event takes place January 18, 2025 from 11 am to 3 pm. With the beautiful Vermilion River Valley as your backdrop, take a wintry walk in nature amongst cool ice sculptures and warm fire pits! Enjoy the sights and sounds of ice carving demonstrations, relax and roast S’mores (while supplies last).

Local food vendors will be selling lunchtime fare and the cozy and charming Carriage Barn will be open as an additional warming space.

Admission is $5.00 per person (children 3 and under free). This is a ticketed event, pre-registration is REQUIRED and can be done online at https://tinyurl.com/LCMPFireandIce. Please register (EACH person). For additional event information such as parking, and for questions, please contact the Carriage Barn at (440) 967-7310. 

Light Up Vermilion!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Vermilion on December 6, 2024 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Join family, friends and neighbors as we gather to celebrate, explore the downtown and get into the holiday spirit. Main Street Vermilion is welcoming the return of familiar traditions and adding some fresh elements of surprise and fun. Here’s what you can look forward to this holiday season:

VERMILION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COLORING CONTEST WINNERS 5 PM

Be there to congratulate the winners of our Annual Vermilion Elementary School Coloring Contest, sponsored by Vermilion Arts Guild. It’s happening in Exchange Park

SANTA ARRIVES IN DOWNTOWN! 6 PM

You’ll love how Santa arrives in the center of town to help the Mayor count down to the Community Tree Lighting. His bag is full of small gifts (non-food) for the kids! Be there to welcome him and his helpers.

COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING 6:15 PM

Main Street Vermilion hosts this tradition in the heart of downtown at Exchange Park. Join us for the highlight of the evening as Mayor Forthofer and Santa turn the lights on to commence the holiday season surrounded by Christmas music, family, and friends. This year, there’s a big, bright new star on the top of the tree generously sponsored by Vermilion’s own Discount Drug Mart.

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 Vermilion during Light Up Vermilion to pick up your ballot before you venture out. Ballot boxes will be all over town.

SCAVENGER HUNT

Main Street Vermilion is hosting another scavenger hunt this holiday, perfect for kids and families. 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.

SWEET TREAT STROLL

Many downtown merchants will be handing out treats to make your night extra special. Pick up a bag at Main Street to collect yours.

CHRISTMAS CAROLERS

The sounds of Christmas can be found at the Community Tree Lighting and throughout downtown this evening, courtesy of carolers from Lake Ridge Legacy Chorus & Local Girl Scouts. You’re invited to sing-a-long, too!

CHESTNUTS ROASTING

Vermilion Rotary Club brings 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.

KIDS CAN HELP LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN, TOO!

Vermilion Kiwanis will have glow sticks for the kids and bags of chips!

LETTER TO SANTA MAILBOX

It’s time to let Santa know your Christmas wishes this year. Stop at Main Street from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve and add your letter to the special mailbox on Main Street’s porch. Throughout the season, we’ll share a letter or two on Facebook (no names). All the letters we receive get packaged up on Christmas Eve, delivered to the Vermilion Post Office and sent straight to the North Pole. Promise!.

Santa By Fire Truck

The Vermilion Fire Company Inc. (Social Club) has arranged for Santa to replace his sleigh with one of their shiny fire trucks. Santa is coming to town on a fire truck on Sunday, December 15, 2024. St. Nick will tour Vermilion neighborhoods courtesy of some special people.

The Vermilion Fire Company, Inc., the social club for firefighters, hosts the annual Santa On The Fire Truck in Vermilion. The Fire Company tries to give local kids a thrill with the Santa Tour. Listen for the fire truck horn. Don't be naughty if they can't get to your exact spot.

Watch for additional details on the Vermilion Fire Department Facebook page as the day goes by so you don't miss him.

Santa On The Fire Truck is solely funded by donations. Donations can be sent by mail to Vermilion Fire Company – Santa, 5467 Ohio Street, Vermilion, Ohio 44089.

Santa Is In Town

The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce presents “Santa is Coming to Town” November 30th, December 7th and December 14th in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce Christmas Committee will bring a good old fashion Christmas to you in downtown Vermilion. This year the Santa House will be in East Exchange Park for all to enjoy..

Santa will be cruising the Vermilion River on his boat on November 30th and will greet everyone at the Santa House in East Exchange Park.

On December 7th and December 14th Santa will be in the Santa House in East Exchange Park.

Visit Vermilion merchants and restaurants. Shop, dine and be merry.

If you would like to be a sponsor of Santa, email the Vermilion Chamber at [email protected].

For more information, visit VermilionOhio.com.

An Old Fashioned Holiday

Step back in time to the 1860s as you tour the candlelit Benjamin Bacon House Museum, where members of the Brownhelm Historical Association portray Brownhelm residents celebrating the holidays. Outside the Bacon House, by the warmth of their campfire, enjoy visiting with re-enactors as they cook and share Bacon and Brownhelm history.

Enjoy Mill Hollow’s pretty, wintry backdrop, and then stop by the cozy and charming Carriage Barn to warm up and take Holiday photos by the beautifully decorated fireplace and 14-foot tall Christmas tree.

Brownhelm Community Christmas

Brownhelm Community Christmas takes place December 24th, annually. Santas visit homes in Old Brownhelm delivering gifts, candy and fruit.

Old Brownhelm is the area originally served by the Brownhelm School before it was consolidated with Firelands Schools. Children under 10 receive a gift; those up to age 14 receive candy and fruit. Seniors citizens are gifted with a half-peck basket of fruit. Cards are sent out to everyone serving in the military. Anyone who might go without Christmas dinner discreetly receives food packages.

Letters are sent to Brownhelm Township families in November explaining the Community Christmas tradition with instructions on how to receive a Santa visit. The area is divided into routes; each route with a chairman to compile a list of each recipient’s name and age.

The Brownhelm Community Christmas Santa visits have become an integral part of the season for Brownhelm residents. Organizers rely solely on donations; they do not solicit businesses but local businesses donate fruit and solicit donations. Volunteers drive Santa from house to house, wrap gifts, assemble fruit baskets, pack candy into bags, and help the Santas get dressed on Christmas Eve.

For more information, visit www.brownhelm.org.

Shop Small Saturday

Shop Small Saturday: takes place November 30, 2024. Shop Small Saturday is an American Express/FedEx event that encourages people locally and all across American to support small, local businesses, the very heartbeat of our downtown. This is a wonderful opportunity to get a jump start on Christmas shopping, meeting local business owners and investing your dollars back into the community.

Shop the Vermilion Arts Guild Gallery first. You’ll find original artwork, prints, photography, pottery, fabric art, jewelry, cards and more.

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Shop small. Shop local. Shop Vermilion.

Woollybear Festival

Vermilion, Ohio's Woollybear Parade

The History Of Woollybear

Woollybear Festival Area

Woollybear Restrooms

Woollybear Festival Parking

World's Greatest Kids Race

Queen's Festival Breakfast

WOOLLY BEAR FACTS

Shake, Rattle & Stroll

Shake, Rattle & Stroll takes place this October in Vermilion, Ohio. No bones about it, Vermilion shops and restaurants are stirring up some fun for your October visits.

This October, Vermilion shops, restaurants and stores create a whole month of “skelefun" and you’re invited!

Local businesses adopt silly skeletons that you’ll find in windows, stores or storefronts, all dressed up, ready to surprise and make you laugh.

Bring yourself, your friends and family to Vermilion throughout October for dining, shopping and strolling around town to see how creative our business owners can be. It’s free, fun and sure to put you in the mood for Halloween.

Visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org/bones for more information.

Vermilion Beach Market

Be a part of the annual Vermilion Beach Market at Sherod Park Friday, August 2 from 3 pm to 8 pm and Saturday, August 3 from 9 am to 4 pm 2024. Shop by the beach from over 100 vendors for vintage, shabby and chic decor including furniture, architectural salvage, as well as handcrafted home decor, jewelry, clothing, and art. Take a pause from shopping at our beachside wine bar and food booths. Free admission and free on-site parking

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Sherod Park is just a few minutes west of charming downtown Vermilion. This expansive, 24-acre, lakeside park features  green space, trees, a beach, walking trails, a playground and two picnic pavilions. The park overlooks breathtaking Lake Erie. Stay late to enjoy the sunset! Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. 

he Vermilion Beach Market welcomes over 100 talented and inspiring vendors carefully curated for this annual event.

Casino Night Benefits MSV

Pick up tickets at 685 Main Street, Vermilion.. Special circumstances tickets can be mailed. Call (440) 963.0772.

All Washed Up

All Washed Up, Vermilion’s Driftwood Art Contest takes place Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 10 am to 3 pm at beautiful, shady Exchange Park in the center of downtown Vermilion. Driftwood creations draw a crowd who enjoy the creativity of amateur artists and skilled craftsmen.

Entries are created primarily of driftwood and (other washed up items) collected from the shores of Lake Erie. It’s surprising that this amazing natural resource, abundant on local beaches, brings out the talent in so many but it certainly does!

Join us as a participant or a guest. Hosted by the Vermilion Arts Guild, a Main Street Vermilion partner program. Cost is free for participants! Get to the beach! Start gathering driftwood and thinking about what you can make with it. Register online at www.mainstreetvermilion.org.

Trick-or-Treating In Vermilion

Trick-or-treating in Vermilion takes place October 31st from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Children in costumes will travel from house to house asking for treats. Turn on your porch light to participate.