VERMILION, Ohio — The rainy weather around the state is not stopping people from enjoying the Festival of the Fish in Vermilion.

What You Need To Know

  • The Festival returns after being canceled in 2020 by the pandemic

  • The theme of this year’s festival was Mardi Gras

  • The event was hosted by the Vermilion Chamber of commerce

“I love it. In fact, I got teary-eyed pulling in,” said Chris Erler, the owner.

Erler has been a vendor at Vermilion’s Festival of the Fish for the last 25 years, selling shaved ice and other tasty beverages. Last year, however, he could not set up his tents for business due to the pandemic.

“I have to be honest it was the first summer that I’ve had where I was forced to relax. So, I enjoyed it, but it was scary from a financial standpoint. I actually had to get a government loan to help pay for bills I’ve accrued over the years, Erler said.

Vermilion’s Festival of the Fish is a popular event with a lot of activities. If you are hungry, there’s plenty of food to eat. People stood in long lines to get some great fried fish.

“Ahhh, I just enjoy Vermilion coming down here and seeing the people, especially the perch,” said Jim McClune of Elyria.

Erler started his business 25 years ago.

He now has two tents selling shaved ice, however, he needed help from his mother to get his business started.

“When one of your kids looks at you as a mom I’m in debt and you have two more kids in college you say OK, I’ll help you. I took him to Sam’s Club, bought a tent, you are in your own,” said Chris' mother, Vonn Erler.

When Erler is not making tasty creations he teaches Earth Science and Astronomy, but his heart belongs to the lake.

“So I love to fish and I saw the fish festival as an event. I applied and got into it 25 years ago. I did not cover the rent my first year. I lost money,” Erler said.

Despite the rain, people were happy to be out enjoying the festival that ended on Father's Day.