People from all over Greater Sudbury came together on Thursday evening as the Walden Winter Carnival got underway – however, the normally jubilant event opened with a more somber gathering this year.
More than 100 people gathered to hold a special candlelight vigil for missing Ward 2 city councillor Michael Vagnini. The councillor has been missing since Jan. 27 and is normally a key figure at the annual winter carnival.
The vigil
Following the opening fireworks community members met outside the T.M. Davies Community Centre in Lively to light candles as a symbolic way to light Vagnini’s way home. Attendees also shared stories and messages of support before a moment of silence.
Mayor Paul Lefebvre attended the event along with many other members of city council.
The mayor noted that both he and Vagnini, who represents the Walden area as part of Ward 2, normally speak at the winter carnival’s opening ceremonies together.
Lefebvre added that the turnout for the vigil shows how important Vagnini is to his community.
Karen Makela, Vagnini’s longtime friend, addressed the crowd on behalf of his family.
Vagnini’s partner Janie Galipeau wearing what appeared to be one of the councillor’s famous sequined blazers and his daughters stood nearby with light candles flickering in the evening air.
Galipeau spoke with CTV News on Tuesday, describing the whole situation as “overwhelming.”
“I just don’t want anybody to give ever give up – just keep looking until we find him,” she said during the interview.
Makela told the crowd that the family is thankful for the community’s unwavering support and for everyone who has reached out, helped care for them or joined in the search for Vagnini.
Everyone CTV News spoke with at the vigil said that they are hoping for Vagnini’s safe return soon.
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For more information on the Walden Winter Carnival’s activities, visit there website.
No updates on the search
Police have not provided any formal updates on the search since Tuesday.
Anyone who spoke with Michael in the days prior to or since his disappearance, and who has not already spoken with police, or who may have information on his or his vehicle’s whereabouts is asked to call the Greater Sudbury Police Service at 705-675-9171 extension 2320.
Anyone who sees or comes in contact with Michael Vagnini should call 9-1-1 immediately, said police in their most recent communications.
