True, it's only mid-September. Even so, the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce Blaze of Lights committee is hard at work, planning Bluffton's favorite holiday event - this year on Saturday, Nov. 26.

To keep Icon viewers updated, here's an overview of this year's Blaze to date. The theme is "Winter Wonderland."

Terry Mullenhour, new chair of the cultural affairs committee, is working with the Blaze Committee in coordinating the evening's events. Dates for setting up and taking down the Ream display will be announced later in October. A parade marshal and person who will turn on the Ream lights is yet to be named.

The parade will form at 4 p.m. at the Centre and will start at 5 p.m. Float judging, based on the Blaze theme, will take place during the line up.

Junior Weihrauch, parade chair, will announce three winning floats from the parade review stand. The parade route will be from The Centre to College Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be the final entry in the parade. Following the parade they will meet youth of all ages in the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center.

Horse and wagon rides will be offered from Wies Royal Carriages, just like last year. The rides will begin following the parade and will go later into the evening. Rides will start and stop at Elm Street near the town hall.

Several Blaze forms, including a parade entry form, are now on the chamber's website: www.explorebluffton website. Additional forms will be added to that site soon.

The Bluffton High School show choir, directed by Kara Zink, will perform prior to the parade at 4:30 p.m. on Main Street. Entertainment following the parade and leading up to the 7 p.m. light switch event, is still being planned.

John George will serve at Blaze master of ceremonies.

The sponsors of the 12 four-foot tall lighted snowflake will be recognized from the Blaze stage prior to the Ream lights going on. Over 40 businesses will be recognized for the part they played in the purchase of new holiday garlands hung for the first time this year.

The garland and snowflake project cost over $20,000.

Details on downtown and residential lighting contests are being finalized. More Blaze details are in the works and will be announced as they are finalized.

This year's Blaze committee includes: Ryan Lowry, Brandon Huber, Phil Zimmerly, Junior Weihrauch, Tracy Steele, Lauren Beasley and Fred Steiner.

Blaze needs
The committee seeks persons with antique vehicles or convertibles, who are willing to drive Blaze parade marshals and other persons to be recognized, during the parade. Contact: [email protected] if interested in helping out.

The committee also seeks someone with a PA system willing to donate its services and to set it up and operate it during the Blaze. Contact: [email protected].

Community groups planning events during the Blaze weekend are asked to contact the chamber so that those events can be added to the Blaze calendar and publicity.