VERMILION – It’s not December, but Christmas is back in Vermilion. Main Street Vermilion kicked off its three-day annual Christmas in July event July 25. This is at least the eighth year the city is hosting the weekend celebration, said Main Street Vermilion Executive Director Linda Tallitsch. ‘Main Street Vermilion tries to plan events that will bring shoppers to Vermilion. We’re very dedicated to merchant support, business support, tourism, and creating a destination for people to come on a day trip,’ Tallitsch said. ‘This is an event to bring people to Vermilion.’ On Friday, the events began with a Sidewalk Sale open to the public, where businesses and shops sitting on 685 Main Street – including clothing, candy and jewelry stores – had special sales for the public. ‘I’m really happy they offer the sidewalk sales,’ said Hannah Gargasz, 23, of Vermilion. Gargasz, a Vermilion native, said she comes to the sidewalk sales and Christmas in July events every year as it makes her feel close to her community. This year, she brought her niece and nephew to the sales, and hoped to attend the evening events. ‘It’s good that they keep this tradition of Christmas in Vermilion going,’ she added. Brenda Miklos, co-owner of RaeMarie Yarns on Main Street, agreed, explaining the Christmas in July event is a ‘perfect time’ not only for her business to see more customers, but also for her to connect with the Vermilion community. ‘Our town is always booming,’ Miklos said. ‘It’s a wonderful event for all retailers because we can bring in new stock or old stock from last year and make a profit. Everybody is so excited, and it’s fun to see people come back from year to year. ‘It’s a community, so that’s what we try to do,’ she added. At night, the city hosted a ‘Movie in the Park’ event, with a free viewing of the film ‘Elf’ at dusk at East Exchange Park. Santa also arrived on riverboat with treats for children in attendance. As part of the Christimas in July Celebration, the Vermilion Farmers Market will feature more than 35 food and produce vendors July 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Victory Park. Also on that day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the city will sponsor the ‘Touch-a-Truck’ family event, where the city brings in service vehicles for children to get a closer look at ambulances and firetrucks. Children also will have the opportunity to get their faces painted, jump in bouncy houses and play games. Christmas in July in Vermilion will run through July 27.
