New holiday tradition will benefit police K9 unit
By Sandra Coe, executive director of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce
VERMILION — Victory Park will take on a festive new look this holiday season as the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce introduces its first Christmas Card Lane, inviting residents, businesses and organizations to help create a colorful community display.
The new tradition will feature oversized Christmas cards decorated with holiday greetings and displayed throughout the downtown park from Nov. 28 through Jan. 2.
The project will also serve as a fundraiser, with all registration proceeds benefiting the Vermilion Police Department’s K9 unit.
A community holiday display
Businesses, churches, schools, clubs, families and individuals are invited to participate by creating their own large Christmas cards.
The cards can be painted by amateur or professional artists or decorated with other festive designs.
Organizers hope the display will give residents and visitors another reason to enjoy downtown Vermilion during the holiday season.
The project was previously presented to the Vermilion Parks and Recreation Board, which approved the display in September.
Organizer Rose Ramsey described the idea as an opportunity to bring the community together while creating something residents could enjoy year after year.
The Chamber of Commerce is helping coordinate the project and registration.
How to participate
The registration fee is $70 per card, with participants responsible for purchasing their own materials.
Requirements include:
- Cards must measure 4 feet by 4 feet or 4 feet by 6 feet.
- Materials must be weather-resistant.
- Designs should feature a holiday or seasonal greeting.
- Completed cards must be delivered to Victory Park on Friday, Nov. 27, between 9 and 11 a.m.
- Event organizers will handle installation.
Space is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants may also save their cards for display in future years, helping the tradition grow without having to create a new card annually.
Supporting local police
Beyond adding holiday decorations to Victory Park, the event will raise money for the Vermilion Police Department’s K9 unit.
All proceeds from the $70 registration fees will go toward supporting the unit, according to the Chamber.
Residents and organizations interested in participating can find additional information through the Chamber’s event registration page.
Questions can be directed to Rose Ramsey at rose_ramsey@yahoo.com.