Vermilion Community Games Night Kicks Off

Group of ladies having a riot at games night. Photo Lorna Hamilton

Living in a small town like Vermilion has its perks—tight-knit communities, sports events, craft sales, farmers’ markets, and local performances, etc. But what about those who aren’t into winter sports or other typical town events? That’s exactly the gap that Sophia Lindsey and Lea-Anne Fraser set out to fill with the launch of Vermilion’s Community Games Night. Their vision? A space for adults to unwind, meet new people, and simply have a good time without needing a reason other than fun.

On November 3, the first Games Night took place at the Royal Canadian Legion. Though attendance started small (as anticipated for a first-time event), the enthusiasm was anything but! Laughter echoed through the room, and a sense of camaraderie quickly filled the air, drawing in people who hadn’t attended community events in years.

“We had people come out who hadn’t attended events for a very long time, feeling like they didn’t ‘fit in,’” shared co-organizer Lea-Anne Fraser. “But by the end of the night, some of them were hugging us and thanking us for helping them open up again.” For Fraser and Lindsey, that moment of connection was just as fulfilling as the event itself.

The night’s festivities included hilarious games like “relay stack cup,” “musical cups,” and “head shoulder cup,” and more, adding a quirky twist to classic party games. “We were nervous at first,” admitted Fraser. “But as soon as people started showing up, the energy changed, and we all just had fun.”

Sophia and Lea-Anne initially created the games night to meet new people and chase away the winter blues, but it quickly turned into something much more. “We wanted to have a way to socialize and build friendships,” said Sophia. “Now, it’s become a space for both mental and physical health benefits. Laughter and connection can be powerful.”

After the resounding success of the first event, Sophia and Lea-Anne are eagerly planning the next Games Night. The community is invited to share game ideas and themes to make each gathering unique. Admission is a friendly $5, and all games are provided, along with some small little prizes.

So if you’re looking for a fun night out, a chance to laugh, and an opportunity to build new friendships, stay tuned for the next Vermilion Community Games Night.