Fish Festival back with other spring, summer events

Vermilion’s annual Festival of the Fish will return for 2021 — along with a number of other events.

After the novel coronavirus pandemic forced cancellation in 2020, the Fish Festival will return better than ever, said Sandra Coe, executive director of the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce.

On April 15, the Chamber announced the event will happen with approval from the Erie County Health Department and Vermilion Mayor Jim Forthofer.

“You will notice a few changes at the festival so we can comply with recommended guidelines in order to bring you a fun and safe free event,” the announcement said.

The Festival of the Fish takes place over Father’s Day weekend, June 18-20.

The theme is Mardi Gras, with the flavor of New Orleans in Vermilion.

There will be beer and beverage stations, fireworks, a lighted boat parade, royalty pageant, queen’s brunch, crazy craft regatta, festival food and vendor marketplace.

Disco Inferno, E5C4P3-Journey Tribute Band, Ace Molar with Fox 8 Todd Meany all will take the stage.

Updates will become available through the Chamber’s website, vermilionohio. com and social media.

The Chamber has published its spring and summer calendar of events starting this month.

• The Wine & Chocolate Walk will have three dates this year: noon to 4 p.m., April 24, July 25 with a Christmas in July theme, and Oct. 23 with a Halloween theme.

Cost is $20 per person and a number of Vermilion businesses are participating as sponsors.

• The 3rd Thursday events offer free music, flowers and a sunset with musicians and bands spread around downtown.

This year’s events run 6:30 p.m. to sunset May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16.

• Free concerts at the Victory Park Gazebo are from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Sundays, in the summer.

Dates are: July 11, 18 and 25, and Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.

Attendees should bring lawn chairs for seating.