If Tombstones Could Talk

28 Sep, 2023

The Annual If Tombstones Could Talk Cemetery Walk takes place October 8, 2023 at Brownhelm Cemetery from 3 pm to 5 pm. As you stroll through the Brownhelm Cemetery you will walk back in time and meet some of Brownhelm’s earliest pioneers and residents. Costumed re-enactors share their life stories in a program that “brings history life!"

Join Brownhelm Historical Association for the annual cemetery walk at the historic Brownhelm Cemetery and meet many early Brownhelm residents (new ones added each year!) This event started in 2014 and has gained a lot of popularity.

The event is free and great for families!

Tours last approximately one hour and will start at 3 pm and run every 10 minutes with the last tour leaving at 5 pm. Please space out your arrival so you don’t have to wait long!

There is no rain date for the cemetery walk.

Brownhelm Cemetery is located at the corner of North Ridge and Sunnyside Road. This free event is hosted by Brownhelm Historical Association, 1940 North Ridge Road in Vermilion, Ohio.

Historical Brownhelm Cemetery is the resting place of early settlers and prominent residents of the area.

For more information, visit www.brownhelmhistory.org.

Trunk Or Treat

28 Sep, 2023

Trunk or Treat takes place at Quaker Steak & Lube in Vermilion, Ohio on Sunday, October 22, 2023. Stop by from 2 pm to 4 pm and enjoy trick or treating for the kids! Bring a non perishable food item to donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

A $100 prize will be awarded for the best car/group combo.

The Lube is looking for groups or businesses to participate and to pass out candy. If you are interested in passing out your own candy, call Cole or Ty at (440) 967-3724.

Grandma’s Attic Sale

25 Sep, 2023

Brownhelm Historical Association is hosting their fall Grandma's Attic Sale on Friday September 29th and Saturday, September 30th at the Historic Brownhelm School, 1950 North Ridge Road in Vermilion, from 9 am to 3 pm. As always the sale will feature anything and everything!

From kitchenware and household goods, to antiques, tools, and furniture, you’re sure to walk out with an armful (or car load!) of treasures. BHA is also putting on its fall plant sale, so definitely stop by to stock up on beautiful foliage for your yard! Please note that everything will be half price on Saturday and BHA will also be holding a $2/bag or $5/box sale the following Monday, October 2nd, at 10 am.

All proceeds from this sale will go toward the restoration and maintenance of the Historic Brownhelm School.

The Brownhelm Historical Association (aka BHA) was formed in March 1993 as an organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of the people, places and events of the area. Over the past 30 years the BHA has managed to reclaim and/or restore the Lost Cemetery on Lake Rd. in Vermilion, the German Reformed Church on Claus Road, and the Historic Brownhelm School and Museum on North Ridge Rd. The group regularly puts on community events and historical programs. The BHA meets on the first Wednesday of each month except for January, July, and August.

Halloween Bash

25 Sep, 2023

Boil, boil, toil and trouble....BOO! Get into the Fall Season beginning with a Halloween Bash on Friday, October 27, 2023 at German's Villa in Vermilion. Doors open 6 pm!

Tickets are only $40 for a rattling good time - spookily delicious dinner and shake-n-rolling fun music featuring "The Leading Edge Horn Band" with hits from the 60s 70s and 80s! Best costume contest and don't forget to visit the Psychic, Lana!

Tickets are available at www.germans-villa.com (events/tickets) or call (440) 967-1770. Join in a very ghoulie time!

German's Villa is located at 3330 Liberty Avenue in Vermilion, Ohio.

Annual Craft Show

25 Sep, 2023

An annual Craft Show will be held at German's Villa on November 11, 2023 from 9 am to 3 pm. Enjoy a wonderful array of crafters and their wares, along with yummy concession food!

Start your holiday shopping at German's, and start your holiday season off right! Admission is only $2.00!

German's Villa is located at 3330 Liberty Avenue in Vermilion, Ohio.

Woollybear Festival

24 Sep, 2023

The Vermilion Chamber is excited to announce the 51st annual Woollybear Festival is set for Sunday, October 8, 2023 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.

Witches On The Water

11 Sep, 2023

On Saturday October 7, 2023 witches, warlocks and ghouls will invade the Vermilion River for the first ever costume paddle! Bring your paddle board, kayak, or canoe to the gathering from 2 pm to 4 pm.

No need to pack your coolers as a concession stand for refreshments will be available. There is a $3 port fee.

This gathering is paddle at your own risk. Non-paddlers, come dressed in your best costume attire, stand at the blue Vermilion bridge and cheer the paddlers on!

Life vest are highly recommended!

You've Got A Book In You!

11 Sep, 2023

You've Got a Book in You! In-Person takes place at Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion, Ohio on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 2:30 pm to 4 pm. Writer and publishing expert Brandi Larsen shares how books go from ideas to on-shelves and where your work can fit in the publishing process.

The talk will focus on adult books from the biggest publishing companies and some aspects of self-publishing. If your friends and family have said, "That's a book!", this entertaining and inspiring talk is for you.

Brandi Larsen is a writer, speaker, and coach building a more inclusive publishing landscape. Her work at Penguin Random House helped create NYT bestsellers and her journalism pieces earned Emmy nominations. Her talks about publishing, leadership, and purpose inspire audiences from Zoom to Harvard. She serves as President Emeritus for Literary Cleveland and writes books and essays. Brandi is the co-writer of NYT-recommended UNCULTURED: A Memoir, from St. Martin's Press. BrandiLarsen.com.

Registration is required.

The Inky Sea

11 Sep, 2023

The Inky Sea: Tattoos and the Navy In-Person takes place at Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion, Ohio on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. This presentation will be facilitated by the National Museum of the American Sailor.

Naval history is rich in the culture and tradition of tattoos. Tattoos have been a part of the Navy for centuries and each one tells a story. Sailors get them for different reasons, at different places on their bodies, and done in different styles.

In this presentation, we will discuss the ways in which tattoos and Navy culture intertwine, how they are part of Navy traditions, and view the many styles of Navy tattoos.

Registration is required.

2024 Solar Eclipse

11 Sep, 2023

College Club Presents the 2024 Solar Eclipse In-Person on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 7 pm to 8:15 pm at Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. This presentation explains the total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8, 2024.

The 2024 Solar Eclipse will span the continental United States approximately from Texas to New York. The path of maximum totality will cut across Ohio, especially Lorain County.

The physics and geometry of an eclipse will be explained, including the relative motion of the Moon, Earth, and Sun. Also covered will be the importance of this particular eclipse. Safe watching and sources of information will be provided.

Presenter, Craig H. Williams, NASA Glenn Research Center.

Shop Small Saturday

10 Sep, 2023

Shop Small Saturday: takes place November 25, 2023. 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.

Trick-or-Treating In Vermilion

10 Sep, 2023

Trick-or-treating in Vermilion takes place October 31, 2023 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.

Read With Ritter

10 Sep, 2023

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 third Tuesday of each month 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.

Shake, Rattle & Stroll

30 Aug, 2023

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.

Genealogy Resource Group

14 Aug, 2023

Every month, the Genealogy Resource Sharing Group meets at Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion to discuss resources and share tips. Bring your current project and your laptop and join in on the second floor. Library computers will also be available for use.

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

14 Aug, 2023

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

13 Aug, 2023

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.

3rd Thursdays In Vermilion

13 Aug, 2023

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.

Cause 4 Paws

1 Aug, 2023

Join in the on Sunday, September 10th, 2023 for the 10th "Cause 4 Paws" Pet Expo & Car Show at Firelands Chevy in Vermilion, Ohio from 10 am to 2 pm. This one is all about the "Cause". Shine it and show it off.

The event will feature food trucks and vendors, 50/50 raffles and basket raffles. Animal rescue organizations will be on site, with some animals available for adoption.

Live At The Lighthouse

1 Aug, 2023

Each year Vermilion celebrates the summer with free outdoor concerts from 7 pm to 8:30 pm every Sunday July through August. The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce presents “Live at the Lighthouse” Summer Sunday Concert Series (formerly Concerts in the Park) at the Lighthouse at Main Street Beach in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Bring your favorite lawn chair and snack.

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

Discover Vermilion

Vermilion Ohio News, Events & Visitors Guide

If Tombstones Could Talk

Trunk Or Treat

Grandma’s Attic Sale

Halloween Bash

Annual Craft Show

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

Witches On The Water

You've Got A Book In You!

The Inky Sea

2024 Solar Eclipse

Shop Small Saturday

Trick-or-Treating In Vermilion

Read With Ritter

Shake, Rattle & Stroll

Genealogy Resource Group

3rd Tuesday Movies

Brewed Awakening Book Social

3rd Thursdays In Vermilion

Cause 4 Paws

Live At The Lighthouse