First parade brings community creativity ashore
VERMILION — Handmade lanterns lit the lakefront and downtown sidewalks Nov. 7 as residents gathered for Vermilion’s first Lantern Parade.
Glowing jellyfish with flowing tentacles and a towering blue-and-orange fish were among the creations participants carried during the free event hosted by Main Street Vermilion.
Participants gathered at Main Street Beach at 4:30 p.m. before walking through downtown. The procession passed Exchange Park and returned to the Vermilion Lighthouse, according to Shores & Islands Ohio.
“We loved seeing all the creativity, smiling faces, and community spirit lighting up the lakeshore,” the tourism organization wrote in a Facebook post shared by Main Street Vermilion.
The idea grew from a lantern parade Vermilion resident Christine Leonard attended in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Leonard later worked with Main Street Vermilion’s Kate Repola to bring the concept to Vermilion.
Organizers envisioned a community celebration during the quieter stretch between the summer tourism season and the holidays. Holding it after the Woollybear Festival and before Light Up Vermilion would give residents another reason to gather downtown, with opportunities to eat and shop after the walk.
Creativity was central to the event. Participants were encouraged to make their own lanterns, but attending a workshop was not required. The lanterns could be simple or elaborate, using LED or other flame-free lights.
Event partners included Public Art Vermilion, Vermilion in Bloom, the Arts Guild of Vermilion and Shores & Islands Ohio. The Ritter Public Library Foundation supported live music for the event, according to the library’s announcement.
