Brownhelm Community Christmas

10 Nov, 2024

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.

Old-Fashioned Holiday

10 Nov, 2024

An Old-Fashioned Holiday takes December 7 & 8, 2024 at Vermilion River Reservation (Mill Hollow side), 51211 North Ridge Road in Vermilion, Ohio. Get in the holiday spirit with some old-fashioned fun-for-the-whole-family at Vermilion River Reservation! Step back in time to the 1860s as you tour the candlelit Benjamin Bacon House Museum.

The Brownhelm Historical Association will re-enact the lives of Brownhelm residents as they cook on the fire, share Bacon and Brownhelm history, and perform Christmas carols! Stop by the Carriage Barn to warm up and take photos beside the Christmas tree. Light refreshments will be on sale inside (cash only).

Pre-registration for each person is required. Cost is $3; kids 3 and under are free. Register at www.loraincountymetroparks.com programs. Outside activities are weather-dependent. For additional information, contact the Carriage Barn at (440) 967-7310.

Winter Season At The Parks

9 Nov, 2024

Come wintertime, there are still plenty of fun and cool outdoorsy activities for all ages to do in our Lorain County Metro Parks, such as wintry walks and hikes, snowshoeing, wildlife watching, winter landscape photography, cross-country skiing, and sledding.

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!

Santa Is Coming To Town

30 Oct, 2024

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.

Casino Night Benefits MSV

18 Sep, 2024

Help Main Street Vermilion continue to add the extras to our community! Casino night will feature Casino games, heavy appetizers and desserts, a cash bar, and photo booth. Chances to win: television, poker set, wine package, smart home system and much more!

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

Light Up Vermilion!

17 Sep, 2024

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Vermilion. 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!.

Shop Small Saturday

17 Sep, 2024

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.

Main Street Vermilion is the Welcome Center for Shop Small Saturday. Local merchants also have some Shop Small Saturday specials, sales and discounts for you and Main Street also has information about shopping in Vermilion.

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.

Vermilion Postcard Project

25 Aug, 2024

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.

Read With Ritter

17 Jul, 2024

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.

Genealogy Resource Group

16 Jul, 2024

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.

3rd Tuesday Movies

15 Jul, 2024

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.

Brewed Awakening Book Social

14 Jul, 2024

The Brewed Awakening Book Social is a book discussion group that meets every month at Brewed Awakening Vermilion. Take part in thoughtful discussion while you enjoy your beverage.

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.

Woollybear Festival

1 Jul, 2024

The Vermilion Chamber is excited to announce the 51st annual Woollybear Festival is set for Sunday, September 29, 2024 in beautiful Vermilion, Ohio.

The Vermilion Fox 8 Woollybear Festival is the largest one day festival in the state of Ohio. Be a part of the fun as the annual Woollybear Parade & Festival takes over Vermilion, Ohio. The festival is held every year around October on a Sunday on which the Cleveland Browns have an away game.

Festivities begin in the morning with races and costume contests. At 1:30 pm the spectacular parade features marching bands, animals, marchers and many area personalities. Live entertainment takes place on stage following the parade.

Vermilion, Ohio's Woollybear Parade

Vermilion’s Woollybear Parade is one of the largest parades in the state of Ohio. It starts at 1:30 pm and lasts approximately 2 hours. It features many radio and television personalities. Parade participants include Woollybear kids and pets, riding hay wagons, marching bands, radio and TV personalities, vintage automobiles, animals, festival queens, floats, clowns and much more! The parade heads east on Liberty Ave., starting at Grand St., then turns right onto Sandusky St., then right onto South St., ending at S. Decatur St.

The History Of Woollybear

The woollybear wackiness all started more than three decades ago. Northeast Ohio TV weatherman Dick Goddard of Fox8 TV in Cleveland talked with some friends and co-workers about his idea of a celebration built around using the woollybear to forecast what kind of winter is ahead.

In 1972 the newly-elected officers of the Parent Teachers Association at the Firelands-Florence Township Elementary School in the tiny community of Birmingham in Erie County were looking around for a vehicle to raise funds. They heard about Goddard’s idea of a Woollybear Festival. They contacted him and offered to stage the festival with his help.

The first Woollybear Festival was held in Birmingham and attracted perhaps 2,000 people. The parade was short—just the Firelands High School Band, some boy scouts and the local fire department, along with personalities from TV8—and they decided to go around the parade route twice, just to make it look longer.

After eight years in Birmingham, the crowd at the event had grown to an estimated 15,000 and was causing gridlock on the highways into the tiny community, so it was decided to move it to a larger city. Thirteen towns and cities around northern Ohio expressed interest in hosting the ever-growing family-oriented event. Goddard and a committee of the original founders finally settled on the pretty resort city of Vermilion, only nine miles north of where the festival was born in Birmingham.

And the rest is history...

Woollybear Festival Area

There are two Woollybear Festival areas in the center of historic downtown Vermilion, Ohio. One is at Victory Park on Rt. 60 (S. Main St.) north of Ohio St. The second is in Exchange Park at the corner of Rt. 60 (N. Main St.) and Rt. 6 (Liberty Ave.). The Woollybear Festival areas consist of entertainment, food booths, craft booths, and merchant sales. Woollybear T-shirts, Woollybear sweatshirts, and Woollybear hats will be available at the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce stand. Various entertainers are at the main stage throughout the day.

Woollybear Restrooms

Restrooms are located throughout the downtown area. Numerous temporary restrooms are placed at the south side of Victory Park, on Ohio St. between Main St. and Exchange St. A permanent restroom facility is in the red building at Exchange Park at the northeast corner of Liberty Ave. and Main St.

Two temporary restrooms are in front of the police station at the corner of Liberty Ave. and Decatur St.

A temporary restroom is placed on Liberty Ave. west of Decatur St.

Woollybear Festival Parking

The main parking area for the Woollybear Festival is at Sailorway Middle School, located at Rt. 60 and Sailorway Dr. Shuttle buses provide transportation from the parking lot to the festival area, as well as back to the parking lot. The cost is $5.00 (including shuttle). Parking is also available on Rt. 6 (E. Liberty Ave.), east of the Vermilion River, at the South Shore Shopping Center. Parking for the handicapped is available at the old Post Office parking lot, at 5463 Liberty Ave. You must arrive early. Additional parking areas are located around town as fundraising projects for many organizations and clubs.

World's Greatest Kids Race

This free event is a series of races for kids age 1-12. Events range from 5 yards (for 1 year old crawlers) to 550 yards (for 12 year olds). The races are held at the Vermilion High School track on Sailorway Drive. Registration begins at 8 am. Races are held from 9 am – 11 am. The event is sponsored by the Vermilion YMCA.

Queen's Festival Breakfast

Miss Vermilion and her court host area queens and festival royalty at a breakfast prior to the parade. Letters of invitation were sent to participants with details on this event. The location of the breakfast is German's Villa, 3330 Liberty Ave. (on Rt. 6, ½ mile west of Sunnyside Rd.). After the breakfast, the Vermilion Police will escort the queens in their parade cars or floats, as a group, from German's Villa to the parade line-up. No other cars will be allowed in the police escort. Families and friends of queens must park in public parking.

WOOLLY BEAR FACTS

The common moth Pyrrharctia isabella is known by different common names at its two main life stages. The adult is the Isabella tiger moth and the larva is called the banded woolly bear. The larvae of many species of Arctiid moths are called "woolly bears" ("wooly bears", "woollybears") because of their long, thick, furlike setae. This species is black at both ends with a band of coppery red in the middle. The adult moth is dull yellow to orange with a robust, furry thorax and small head. Its wings have sparse black spotting and the proximal segments on its first pair of legs are bright reddish-orange.

The banded woolly bear larva emerges from the egg in the fall and overwinters in its caterpillar form. It survives winter freezes by producing a cryoprotectant in its tissues. Once the weather warms, the larva devours all the grass and weeds it can, pupates, and becomes an adult, which then lives through the summer. It is the larvae of this species which are the subject of common folklore, which has it that the forthcoming severity of a winter can be predicted by the amount of black on the caterpillar; this is the most familiar woolly bear in North America.

The setae of the woolly bear are not urticant, but they will play dead if picked up or disturbed.

Brought to you by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (440) 967-4477, [email protected] or visit www.vermilionohio.com.

Shake, Rattle & Stroll

1 Jul, 2024

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

1 Jul, 2024

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.

All Washed Up

27 Jun, 2024

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

1 Jun, 2024

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.

Chalk It Up!

1 Jun, 2024, No comments

Chalk it Up! takes place Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Victory Park from 10 am to 2 pm in Vermilion, Ohio. Watch as the roads and walks in Vermilion fill up with bright chalk drawings created by local artistic talent. Enjoy some family and kid-friendly interactive opportunities, too, as you watch the streets transform. Main Street Vermilion is looking forward to the return of Chalk it Up!, a display of beautiful chalk creations by local artists. Visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org for complete details on how you can participate as an artist or simply enjoy as a spectator. Many business sponsors come together to sponsor this enjoyable afternoon and great addition to your night out. 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.

Market In The Park

1 May, 2024

Market in the Park takes place on Saturdays in July and August in downtown Vermilion at Victory Park from 10 am to 2 pm. Every week features new vendors and new products to keep you coming back all summer. There’s plenty of free parking next to and near the Market. Within easy walking distance are lots of shops and restaurants to enjoy and just a few blocks north is Main Street Beach with one of the best views of Lake Erie anywhere. Located in the heart of downtown Vermilion, it’s a wonderful place to gather with friends and neighbors, a shady stop on a bike tour or just a fun place to hangout as you begin your weekend.

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.

3rd Thursdays In Vermilion

1 May, 2024

3rd Thursdays Music, Flowers & A Sunset offers free live music brought to you by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce in downtown Vermilion May through September on the third Thursday of the month. Stroll the sidewalks and browse the shops while listening to many wonderful genre’s of music from 5 pm to sunset.

Looking for something to do on a Thursday evening? Stroll through historic downtown Vermilion while being serenaded. Vermilion has become known throughout the region for its fabulous 3rd Thursday Music, Flowers & A Sunset concerts which take place May through September.

Experience the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze from Lake Erie as the beautiful flowers are in full bloom in Vermilion. There is an exciting array of free musical entertainment for you with well over a dozen bands scattered throughout Harbour Town. Many local musicians provide music for your listening enjoyment in several different locations, including rock, jazz, pop, country, oldies, ethnic, gospel and much more!

Do some shopping, grab something to eat or enjoy some great ice cream and be a part of this fantastic event each Third Thursday of the month. Third Thursday gets better each year. There’s plenty of parking, lots of flowers to enjoy, artwork to browse, and a sunset over Lake Erie that is sure to please.

Bring your family, friends, neighbors and visitors for a fun time. Then let’s all head to the beach for one of our beautiful sunsets!

Mark the third Thursdays on your calendar - May through September - for Vermilion's Third Thursdays. It is a celebration of music, flowers and a sunset in beautiful Vermilion, Ohio.

Brought to you by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (440) 967-4477, [email protected] or visit www.vermilionohio.com.

Discover Vermilion

Vermilion Ohio News, Events & Visitors Guide

Brownhelm Community Christmas

Old-Fashioned Holiday

Winter Season At The Parks

Santa Is Coming To Town

Casino Night Benefits MSV

Light Up Vermilion!

Shop Small Saturday

Vermilion Postcard Project

Read With Ritter

Genealogy Resource Group

3rd Tuesday Movies

Brewed Awakening Book Social

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

Vermilion Beach Market

All Washed Up

Trick-or-Treating In Vermilion

Chalk It Up!

Market In The Park

3rd Thursdays In Vermilion