The festive magic of the holiday season shone brightly on 51st Avenue in Vermilion this year, transforming the street into a must-visit Christmas wonderland. Located across from Midtown Medical Clinic, the neighborhood became famous last year for its intricate holiday decorations. This year, residents went above and beyond, creating a dazzling display that included a ceiling of twinkling lights stretching high above the street.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of Lloyd Rumbolt of Lloyd’s Limbs,” said Paul Conlon, one of the neighbourhood residents. “He helped us string lights across the street by utilizing his spider lift bringing our vision of a sparkling canopy to life.”
Conlon explained that the project was a collaborative effort, with each family purchasing their own decorations to create a cohesive display. “It didn’t cost a fortune. Each tree trunk and the overhead lights were funded individually, and we worked together to keep everything uniform,” he added.
Addressing some community speculation, Conlon clarified that the project was entirely resident-funded. “There’s been a bit of misunderstanding. Some thought the Town paid for this, but that’s not the case. As a Vermilion Councillor, I feel it’s important to ensure people know it was fully financed and executed by the families here,” he said.
The dazzling display drew admiration from residents and visitors alike, with as many as 60 vehicles passing through some nights to marvel at the sparkling scene. Inspired by the joy their decorations brought to the community, the neighbours decided to host Vermilion’s first official Neighbourhood Block Party, taking the holiday festivities to the next level.
On New Year’s Eve, the street buzzed with warmth, laughter, and camaraderie. The block party welcomed neighbours, friends, and passersbys (at peak about 70-80 adults) to celebrate the season together. Attendees were treated to roasted hotdogs, multiple cozy firepits, and an array of outdoor games, including Tug of War, Frisbee, and giant Jenga. “Many of these games are available for loan from Vermilion FCSS and the Wellness Coalition with a $100 deposit,” Conlon shared.
Of course, no Canadian block party is complete without a spirited game of street hockey. The lively match added a competitive edge to an evening otherwise dedicated to unity and joy.
“It was a lot of work to organize, but every effort was worth it,” Conlon said with a smile. “Seeing our neighbourhood/community come together to celebrate and connect under the glow of the lights made it all truly special.”
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