VOL Clubhouse Christmas Party
VOL Clubhouse will host a free Christmas Party on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 3780 Edgewater in Vermilion On The Lake. The Vermilion Community Concert Band & Community Choir will perform live. The event takes place from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Hot dogs, cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate will be provided.
Light Up 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. 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....
Friday, December 2, 5 pm to 9 pm throughout Downtown Vermilion
Come downtown for an evening 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...
SANTA COMES DOWNTOWN! 6 pm - Santa’s here to help with the Community Tree Lighting, arriving in the center of town. Bring your camera to take your own photos with Santa. His bag is full of small gifts (non-food) for the kids!
COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING 6:15 pm - Main Street Vermilion is hosting this long-standing tradition, with festivities in the heart of downtown in Exchange Park. Join in the highlight of the evening as the mayor and Santa turn the lights on to commence the holiday season surrounded Christmas music, family, and friends.
FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT 7 pm - Ritter Public Library will host its annual Christmas concert performed by the Vermilion Community Band. Music starts at 7 pm and its free to all. Enjoy refreshments as well.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE WINDOW DISPLAY - Vermilion businesses put their best displays forward during the holidays. Main Street Vermilion is 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, or come back to Main Street.
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 Vermilion to collect yours. The Kingston of Vermilion Lion will join in that evening, strolling around downtown with candy canes to make sure that your night ends on a sweet note!
CHRISTMAS CAROLERS - The sounds of Christmas can be found at the Community Tree Lighting and throughout the downtown this evening, courtesy of carolers from Grace United Methodist Church and Vermilion E & R Church. You’re invited to sing-a-long, too!
GLOW IN THE DARK - Kiwanis of Vermilion will be providing glow sticks and necklaces for all the kids during the evening. Help Light Up Vermilion by wearing one!
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.
HOT CHOCOLATE? YES, PLEASE! - Vermilion Lions Club will be downtown during Light Up Vermilion with free hot chocolate for everyone.
LETTER TO SANTA MAILBOX - It’s time to let Santa know your Christmas wishes this year. Stop at Main Street Vermilion from Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve and add your letter to the special mailbox on Main Street’s porch. Throughout the season, Main Street Vermilion will share a letter or two on Facebook (no names). All the letters received get packaged up on Christmas Eve, delivered to the Vermilion Post Office and sent straight to the North Pole. Promise!
VHS Presents A Christmas Carol
Vermilion High School presents A Christmas Carol on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 7 pm and Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 2 pm. Pre-sale tickets are $6 per adult, $4 per student and senior. Tickets at the door are $7 per adult, $5 per student and senior.
All seats are General Admission. Pre-sale tickets available in person at VHS Main Entrance hallway Thursday, December 8, from 3 pm to 6 pm and Friday, December 9 from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Tickets also available at the door on each performance night while seats are available.
Merriment With Mocktails
Add a special touch to your holiday gatherings! You are cordially invited to attend a "cocktail" event at Ritter Public Library on December 14, 2022 at 6 pm where you will learn some fantastic recipes that will allow you to enjoy alcohol free creative beverages with the perfect flair for the holidays! Angela will teach you how to create spirit-free cocktails for your celebrations.
Register now: https://ritterpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/9443971
Ritter Public Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 967-3798 for more information.
Christmas Trivia
Head to Ritter Public Library on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 6 pm for an evening of Christmas-themed trivia! Melissa will quiz you on Christmas traditions, media, and pop culture.
Ritter Public Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 967-3798 for more information.
Santa's Workshop
"Santa's Workshop" takes place Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 12 pm to 2 pm. in downtown Vermilion, Ohio Free pictures with Santa and the Grinch in the Santa House will be offered at Your Last Chance BBQ, 5693 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Rock & Roll Express Entertainment will get you in the Christmas spirit with Christmas music, trivia and fun giveaways. Cookies, hot cocoa and more will also be offered.
Coloring Contest winners will be announced by 1:45 pm. (Pick-up your official coloring sheet from Your Last Chance BBQ 5693 Liberty Avenue, Szabo Apparel, Co. 5571 Liberty Avenue or the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce 5495 Liberty Avenue beginning November 25th. Turn in your completed coloring sheet by December 10th at noon. Coloring sheet designed by Szabo Apparel.)
Presented by Your Last Chance BBQ and the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce! Your Last Chance BBQ will have BBQ Santa specials too on the menu during the events. For questions or to have the coloring contest sheet emailed to you, email [email protected]
Event Sponsors: Your Last Chance BBQ, Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, Vermilion Chamber Foundation, Stein, Olsen & Stang, LLC, Bechtel Counseling and Consulting LLC, Cleveland Stone Company "The Shop", Sea La Vie Riverside & Riverbend Retreats, Szabo Apparel, Co., Rock & Roll Express Entertainment Company, Erie & Anchor, Above & Beyond Salon & Spa, Tiffany's Flower & Gift Boutique, Tails of Vermilion, Hometown Bakery, Rocky & Lela's Barkery & Boutique, Harbortown Marine, Inc., Harbortown Flag, Inc., Beauty By Bergan, The Olive Scene. Be sure to stop in at the businesses to thank them for helping us bring you "Santa, A Storybook Christmas." It is thru their generosity that we were able to bring you three amazing, festive days packed with Christmas FREE family FUN! Remember to SHOP, DINE, SUPPORT LOCAL this Holiday Season and throughout the year!
Santa, A Storybook Christmas
Santa, A Storybook Christmas will be presented by Your Last Chance BBQ and the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce this holiday season featuring "Not So Silent Night", "Jingle Bells & BBQ" and "Santa's Workshop".
Not So Silent Night
"Not So Silent Night" takes place Friday, November 25, 2022 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Come in your favorite Christmas jammies for free pictures with Santa in his sleigh, unveiling of Christmas Lights, cookies, cocoa and more at Your Last Chance BBQ, 5693 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio.
Jingle Bells & BBQ
Santa arrives on his BIG RED boat on Saturday, November 26, 2022 beginning at 10 am. Watch Santa as he cruises the Vermilion River from 10:am to 10:45 am. The best place to watch Santa is McGarvey's Landing, Quaker Steak & Lube, and the Liberty Avenue blue bridge.
From 11:30 am to 12:30 pm free pictures with Santa in his Santa House will be offered at Your Last Chance BBQ, 5693 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio.. Santa will arrive in style on the VFD Fire Truck. Caroling will be led by Trinity Handbell Choir. Don't be shy, join in by signing popular Christmas songs! Cookies, hot cocoa and more will also be offered.
Santa's Workshop
"Santa's Workshop" takes place Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 12 pm to 2 pm. Free pictures with Santa and the Grinch in the Santa House will be offered at Your Last Chance BBQ, 5693 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Rock & Roll Express Entertainment will get you in the Christmas spirit with Christmas music, trivia and fun giveaways. Cookies, hot cocoa and more will also be offered.
Coloring Contest winners will be announced by 1:45 pm. (Pick-up your official coloring sheet from Your Last Chance BBQ 5693 Liberty Avenue, Szabo Apparel, Co. 5571 Liberty Avenue or the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce 5495 Liberty Avenue beginning November 25th. Turn in your completed coloring sheet by December 10th at noon. Coloring sheet designed by Szabo Apparel.)
Presented by Your Last Chance BBQ and the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce! Your Last Chance BBQ will have BBQ Santa specials too on the menu during the events. For questions or to have the coloring contest sheet emailed to you, email [email protected]
Event Sponsors: Your Last Chance BBQ, Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, Vermilion Chamber Foundation, Stein, Olsen & Stang, LLC, Bechtel Counseling and Consulting LLC, Cleveland Stone Company "The Shop", Sea La Vie Riverside & Riverbend Retreats, Szabo Apparel, Co., Rock & Roll Express Entertainment Company, Erie & Anchor, Above & Beyond Salon & Spa, Tiffany's Flower & Gift Boutique, Tails of Vermilion, Hometown Bakery, Rocky & Lela's Barkery & Boutique, Harbortown Marine, Inc., Harbortown Flag, Inc., Beauty By Bergan, The Olive Scene. Be sure to stop in at the businesses to thank them for helping us bring you "Santa, A Storybook Christmas." It is thru their generosity that we were able to bring you three amazing, festive days packed with Christmas FREE family FUN! Remember to SHOP, DINE, SUPPORT LOCAL this Holiday Season and throughout the year!
Holiday Concert
The program is free and open to the public, sponsored by Friends of Ritter whose mission is to promote enjoyment of the library.
Ritter Public Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 967-3798 for more information.
Holiday Craft Show
German's Villa Holiday Craft Show takes place Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 9 am to 3 pm at German's Villa in Vermilion, Ohio. You are sure to find something from this large show featuring a huge variety of crafts from local crafters.
Bring your family and friends for a crafting adventure. Concession foods will also be available for guests to enjoy as they shop.
German's Villa is located at 3330 Liberty Avenue in Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 967-1770 for more information.
Christmas Drop & Shop
Save the date for Christmas Drop & Shop on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 9 am to noon. Drop of your kids (ages 2-11) at Grace UMC Church in Vermilion for a fun morning and then go shopping, do holiday preparations, or whatever fills your cup!
Kids will be engaged with games, crafts, snacks and more.
RSVPs requested. Email [email protected]
Grace UMC Vermilion is located at 13406 W Lake Road in Vermilion, Ohio.
Holiday Magic At Ritter
Holiday Magic with Jim Kleefeld takes place December 8, 2022 at 6 pm at Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Entertainer Jim Kleefeld will visit Ritter Public Library to present a fun, family-friendly holiday magic show! This interactive show combines illusions and games, all with a holiday twist.
Jim, a former elementary educator, channels his creativity and lifelong passion for magic into every performance.
Event admission is free, and no registration is required.
Ritter Public Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 967-3798 for more information.
Craft & Vendor Show
A Craft & Vendor Show will take place on December 10, 2022 from 10 am to 4 pm at Vermilion High School Commons, 1250 Sanford Street in Vermilion, Ohio. Entry fee is $2; children are free with an adult.
Vendor tables are $35. Contact Kristy Edmision at (440) 204-1701 ext 317 or email [email protected]
Old-Fashioned Holiday
An Old-Fashioned Holiday takes December 3 & 4, 2022 from 3 pm to 7 pm 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.
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.
Bacon House Tours
Explore the historic home of Benjamin Bacon and learn learn about living in Mill Hollow in the 19th Century with tours of the Bacon House at 51211 North Ridge Road in Vermilion on November 12, 2022 from 1 pm to 3 pm.
In 1817, Benjamin Bacon settled with his family along the top of the cliffs overlooking an oxbow in the Vermilion River that would eventually be called Mill Hollow. Soon afterwards, and at an early age, Benjamin was elected to the prestigious position of Justice of the Peace, and in 1824 was selected as one of the first commissioners for Lorain County. In 1835 he purchased an interest in a saw and grist mill that had been relocated to the oxbow in the river. A mill race was cut across the oxbow to increase the water power that turned the mill’s large water wheel. The mills were very successful and by 1845 had provided Benjamin the means to build a nice house across the road. When he died in 1868 at the age of 78, the house and mills were sold to John Heymann, a German immigrant new to the area.
Frederick Bacon was born in 1840, the youngest son of Benjamin and Anna, Benjamin’s third wife. In 1860, he enlisted in the Union army and fought in the Civil War for four years, after which he returned home to his wife Abigail (formerly Abigail Wells) and started a family in Brownhelm. In 1879, John Heymann sold the mills to Frederick Bacon. They’d been modernized with steam power after a fire destroyed them in October of 1876 which started after the close of business. Frederick now not only owned the mills, but also owned land in Geauga county and coal fields in Iowa. This diversity was very fortunate because with the advent of the railroad, fewer farmers needed to mill their grain locally and many local residents weren’t even farmers, but rather worked at the sandstone quarries instead. By 1901, the mills were no longer profitable and had to be sold and dismantled.
Frederick and Abigail had nine children, seven of whom never married. After Frederick’s death in 1901, his children continued to farm the river valley. By the late 1920s, only Sarah and Charles remained, and the house was rented to several people for decades until Charles’ death in 1957. Dorothy Bacon DeMuth, a distant cousin, inherited the property and donated it to the newly formed Lorain County Metro Parks. The Vermilion River Reservation became the first park in the Lorain County Metro Parks. The Bacon House was opened as a house museum in 1962 with the help of the Lorain County Historical Society. Today, the house is open Sundays and Holidays, Memorial Day to Labor Day, and scheduled private tours throughout the year.
Spanning two adjacent areas separated by the Vermilion River—Mill Hollow on one side and Bacon Woods on the other—Vermilion River Reservation is a favorite of picnickers, naturalists and anyone who just wants to enjoy its natural beauty. Just next to the Bacon House Museum, the Carriage Barn offers visitors information about the park and hosts nature programs. Vermilion River Reservation is located at 51211 North Ridge Road, just 4 miles south of downtown Vermilion, by the intersection of North Ridge and Vermilion Roads.
Trick-or-Treating In Vermilion
Trick-or-treating in Vermilion takes place October 31, 2022 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.
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.
Brownhelm Events
The Brownhelm Historical Association holds regular membership meetings followed by historic programs which are open to the public. Additionally, the BHA offers community events and fundraisers to help support projects which include the restoration of the Brownhelm Heritage Museum, the Historic Brownhelm School & Museum, and three local historic cemeteries (Brownhelm Cemetery, Brown’s Lake Road Cemetery, & Rugby Cemetery).
Grandma’s Attic Sale
Date: October 28th & 29th
Time: 9 am - 3 pm
Location: Brownhelm School & Heritage Museum
This sale will feature tons of kitchenware, small kitchen appliances, luggage, picture frames, and seasonal items. The third and final Grandma's Attic Sale of 2022. The items we are focusing on for this sale include: small electrical appliances, kitchen items, seasonal items, pictures and frames, and luggage. As always, we will have some antiques and other unusual items. This will be an eclectic sale for sure and you are bound to find some treasures to take home! Please share with your family and friends! All proceeds go toward the restoration of the Brownhelm School.
Archaeology In Our Backyard
Date: Wednesday, November 2
Location: Historic Brownhelm School
Following our brief business meeting, BHA member Lee Goodman and members of the Firelands Archaeology group will present, "Archaeology in our Backyard." Join us to learn about the non-profit, volunteer organization, Firelands. Archaeology, which works to discover, document, and conserve archaeological sites and material located in north central Ohio -- our own backyard! For over 30 years the group has been exploring the physical traces left by prehistoric people in our area as well as more recent, historical activity. Members of the organization will share some of our work in the surrounding area and tell you how you can be involved with the process of discovery. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. The membership meeting runs from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. The doors open again for anyone who just wants to attend the program at 7:00 p.m. and the program starts at 7:30 p.m.
Third Annual Drive Through Clam Bake
Date: Saturday, October 22
Pick-up time: 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: Historic Brownhelm School
Circle October 22nd on your calendar for the Third Annual BHA Clambake! The clambake will be a drive-thru again this year to pick up your order. It will be catered by Pogie’s Catering in Amherst. For $40, each dinner consists of 1 dozen clams, 1/2 dozen mussels, lemon chicken breast, corn on the cob, red skin potatoes, coleslaw, clam chowder, melted butter, and dinner roll. You may also order an extra dozen clams if you'd like for $15. If you would like to use a credit card, order online at https://bit.ly/BHAClambake2022 or call Kate Rivet at (419) 656-2958. If you want to pay by check, please send a note with your order and a check payable to Brownhelm Historical Association to: Brownhelm Historical Association Attn: Clambake Order 1950 N. Ridge Road Vermilion, OH 44089, Once you’ve placed your order, just drive on down to the Historic Brownhelm School on October 22nd to pick it up curbside!All tickets must be purchased by October 14th.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: November 27th
Time: 6 pm
Location: Historic Brownhelm School & Museum
Old Fashioned Holiday
Date: December 3rd & 4th
Time: 3 pm to 7 pm
Location: The Benjamin Bacon Museum at Mill Hollow Park
For additional information, visit www.brownhelmhistory.org.
Santa By Boat
Santa arrives in Vermilion on his BIG RED boat on Saturday, November 26, 2022 beginning at 10 am. Watch Santa as he cruises the Vermilion River from 10:am to 10:45 am. The best place to watch Santa is McGarvey's Landing, Quaker Steak & Lube, and the Liberty Avenue blue bridge in downtown Vermilion, Ohio.
From 11:30 am to 12:30 pm free pictures with Santa in his Santa House will be offered at Your Last Chance BBQ, 5693 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio.. Santa will arrive in style on the VFD Fire Truck. Caroling will be led by Trinity Handbell Choir. Don't be shy, join in by signing popular Christmas songs! Cookies, hot cocoa and more will also be offered.
Presented by Your Last Chance BBQ and the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce! Your Last Chance BBQ will have BBQ Santa specials too on the menu during the events. For questions or to have the coloring contest sheet emailed to you, email [email protected]
Event Sponsors: Your Last Chance BBQ, Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, Vermilion Chamber Foundation, Stein, Olsen & Stang, LLC, Bechtel Counseling and Consulting LLC, Cleveland Stone Company "The Shop", Sea La Vie Riverside & Riverbend Retreats, Szabo Apparel, Co., Rock & Roll Express Entertainment Company, Erie & Anchor, Above & Beyond Salon & Spa, Tiffany's Flower & Gift Boutique, Tails of Vermilion, Hometown Bakery, Rocky & Lela's Barkery & Boutique, Harbortown Marine, Inc., Harbortown Flag, Inc., Beauty By Bergan, The Olive Scene. Be sure to stop in at the businesses to thank them for helping us bring you "Santa, A Storybook Christmas." It is thru their generosity that we were able to bring you three amazing, festive days packed with Christmas FREE family FUN! Remember to SHOP, DINE, SUPPORT LOCAL this Holiday Season and throughout the year!
Not So Silent Night
"Not So Silent Night" takes place Friday, November 25, 2022 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Come in your favorite Christmas jammies for free pictures with Santa in his sleigh, unveiling of Christmas Lights, cookies, cocoa and more at Your Last Chance BBQ, 5693 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio.
Presented by Your Last Chance BBQ and the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce! Your Last Chance BBQ will have BBQ Santa specials too on the menu during the event. For questions or to have the coloring contest sheet emailed to you, email [email protected]
Event Sponsors: Your Last Chance BBQ, Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, Vermilion Chamber Foundation, Stein, Olsen & Stang, LLC, Bechtel Counseling and Consulting LLC, Cleveland Stone Company "The Shop", Sea La Vie Riverside & Riverbend Retreats, Szabo Apparel, Co., Rock & Roll Express Entertainment Company, Erie & Anchor, Above & Beyond Salon & Spa, Tiffany's Flower & Gift Boutique, Tails of Vermilion, Hometown Bakery, Rocky & Lela's Barkery & Boutique, Harbortown Marine, Inc., Harbortown Flag, Inc., Beauty By Bergan, The Olive Scene. Be sure to stop in at the businesses to thank them for helping us bring you "Santa, A Storybook Christmas." It is thru their generosity that we were able to bring you three amazing, festive days packed with Christmas FREE family FUN! Remember to SHOP, DINE, SUPPORT LOCAL this Holiday Season and throughout the year!