A tradition nearly two decades strong continued Saturday morning as volunteers gathered to launch the 19th year of Vermilion in Bloom, a community-driven initiative dedicated to beautifying the city.
Their Gardeners Fair, held last Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sailorway Middle School, brought together dozens of vendors offering plants, flowers, garden decor, and handmade goods. The event gave gardening enthusiasts a colorful way to support Vermilion’s beautification efforts, with proceeds helping fund Vermilion in Bloom’s ongoing projects. The fair added another layer of community spirit to a day dedicated to growth, both in gardens and in the heart of the city.
The event, led by longtime organizer Sandy Kish Jordan, celebrates a program that is not just about flowers, but about community pride. “This is our largest fundraiser, and 100% of the proceeds go right back into beautification projects for Vermilion,” Jordan explained.
Photo Gallery HereOver the course of the year, Vermilion in Bloom funds the installation and care of 160 hanging flower baskets that line the city’s streets, maintains multiple city gardens, and changes seasonal decorations to keep the town looking its best. These projects are made possible entirely by a group of over 100 volunteers who plant, water, maintain, and refresh the displays throughout the growing seasons.
“Everything we do is powered by volunteers and every dollar we raise goes right back into the city,” Jordan said. “It truly is a labor of love.”
Vermilion in Bloom operates under the umbrella of Main Street Vermilion, a nonprofit focused on preserving and enhancing the city’s vibrant downtown and waterfront areas. The impact of VIB is seen year-round: colorful gardens, cheerful flower baskets, and festive seasonal decor that have become a signature part of Vermilion’s charm.
Jordan emphasized how seamlessly the effort comes together. “Everyone knows what they have to do and it all gets done. It’s amazing to see the pride and care everyone takes in keeping Vermilion beautiful,” she said.
With a strong volunteer base and continued community support, Vermilion in Bloom has become a beloved tradition that captures the spirit of Vermilion — neighbors coming together to make their city a little brighter, one flower at a time.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to support Vermilion in Bloom through donations, volunteer efforts, or simply by enjoying the colorful displays throughout the city this summer.
For more information on how to get involved, visit Main Street Vermilion’s Vermilion in Bloom page or check out upcoming events on their Facebook page.
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