CLICK HERE FOR A PARADE ENTRY FORM
Thousands of visitors will come to Bluffton’s downtown shopping district for the Blaze of Lights on Saturday, Nov. 24, when celebrations include a parade, live entertainment, a lighting ceremony and festive activities.
Here's the latest on this year's Blaze from the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.
SHOP SMALL SATURDAY
The afternoon of the Blaze is a perfect time to enjoy downtown Bluffton with its nine restaurants and carryouts, 16 shops, movie theater and special Blaze offerings. The Blaze is on Shop Small Saturday, a day to show your appreciation for local, independent businesses.
5 p.m. PARADE
The big Blaze parade begins at 5 p.m. With 100 entries expected from near and far, the parade always includes Santa Claus. To be part of the parade, submit the entry form to parade chairperson:
Junior Weihrauch
20791 State Route 68,
Arlington, OH 45814.
6 p.m. ENTERTAINMENT
At 6 p.m. live entertainment starts at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets and family-friendly activities begin.
7 p.m. CEREMONY
The ceremonial lighting of the Ream folk art display begins at 7 p.m. The Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn is filled with lights and paint and wood images of all things Christmas. Emcee John George, dressed as a town crier, will lead the festivities and an honorary “switch hitter” will turn on the lights.
REAM DISPLAY
Farmer Harry Ream started making and displaying Christmas decorations in 1938. In the mid-1980s, the Ream family donated 168 wood cutouts to the village. Dozens more have been added by artist Terry Mullenhour.
BLAZE TEAMWORK
The Blaze of Lights is a tradition that is 32 years in the making. It is the work of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Bluffton, and countless volunteers. In 2017, the Blaze was made possible by donations from over 20 businesses, organizations and individuals.
For more information about the Blaze of Lights, contact the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or (419) 369-2985.
