The Ohio’s Holiday Lights Trail features 30 beautiful places to view decorations in the state and it includes Bluffton’s Blaze of Lights.
Here's how it describes the Blufton exhibit:
A folk art display started in the 1930s, a beautifully decorated vintage business district, and a residential decorating contest make the village a charming destination.
“The Ream folk art display has really shaped Bluffton’s decorating traditions,” explains Paula Scott, CEO of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Harry and Dorothy Ream started making and lighting cut-out wood figures in the 1930s. For the last 33 years, the folk art display has been the inspiration for a celebration called the Blaze of Lights. In 2019, thousands of new lights were added to the towering evergreens that surround the display.
On Nov. 30, Bluffton will hold the Blaze of Lights Festival from 5-9 p.m, as well as Shop Small Saturday promotions throughout the day. The 100+ unit parade, family activities, and special food offerings brings several thousand visitors to Bluffton. The decorations will be illuminated through Jan. 1, 2020.
The entire project is a community effort, Scott notes: “The village owns the figures and the lights, while setup involves dozens of volunteers coordinated by the Cultural Affairs Committee.
"This year, village decorations were installed by local business leaders, residents, our Fire Department, and several high school sports teams. Members of American Legion Post 382 set up several displays around the village. It’s a huge undertaking that shows a lot of community spirit.”
The Ream display is located at the Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 N. Main St. It is centrally located in the business district, near shops and restaurants. The district is just two minutes from I-75 at exits 140 and 142.
Travelers can browse the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail online or download a printable map to share or take along in the car. More seasonal opportunities are listed on Ohio.org/Holidays.
Visit the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce at ExploreBluffton.com, Facebook and Instagram. For more information call 419-369-2985 or email [email protected].
