Two new special pieces make this year's Blaze of Lights very special. One is the premier performance of "Deck the Farm." Another is First National Bank’s “Kasasa Gift-For-Good Exchange.”

Here's the story behind both events.

• “Deck the Farm”
New to this year’s Blaze is the premier performance of Pat Rodabaugh’s “Deck the Farm.” The work includes short vignettes involving drama and song that brings to life Dorothy and Harry Ream, creators of those magical folk art holiday cutouts. The performance will follow the parade at approximately 6 p.m. on the Blaze stage in front of the Ream display.

Rodabaugh estimates the performance to be about 30 minutes. The cast includes:

Narrator: Everett Collier
Harry and Dorothy Ream: Kevin Gratz and Pat Rodabaugh
Roger Mullenhour, Fred Rodabaugh and Larry Badertscher: Dan Stanowick,
Dan Basinger and Steve Rodabaugh
Carolers: Bob and Cheryl Schirmer, Mary Gratz, Wendy Chappell-Dick, Kara Zink, Steve and Linda Rodabaugh
Wise men: Bob Schirmer, Everett Collier, John George
Angels: Mary Gratz, Linda Rodabaugh, John George, Cheryl Schirmer, Wendy
Chappell-Dick, Steve Rodabaugh
Girl with Greeting Card: Kara Zink
Boy Scout figures: Steve Rodabaugh and sons
Music by: Kristi and Phil Schey

• First National Bank’s “Kasasa Gift-For-Good Exchange”
Starting on Nov. 30 and continuing until Dec. 7, First National Bank invites area residents to do a good deed and receive a free gift certificate, courtesy of Kasasa, its rewards checking account partner.

Using the philosophy that “no good deed goes unrewarded,” First National Bank supports six Bluffton non-profit organizations during the Blaze in its “Kasasa Gift-
For-Good Exchange” program. The bank will encourage residents to volunteer at one of those agencies in December or January.

First National Bank will rewards the first 250 persons who pledge to volunteer by providing Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificates to those who successfully complete their volunteer commitment.

Here’s how it works:
From 4 to 9 p.m. during the Saturday, Nov. 30, Blaze of Light celebration, First National Bank will have a booth on the corner of Cherry and Main streets. Persons have an opportunity to pledge two hours of volunteer time by Jan. 31, 2014, at one of the following Bluffton non-profit organizations:

• Bluffton Child Development Center
• Bluffton Hospital
• BFR Sports and Fitness
• Bluffton Community Assistance Program
• Bluffton Public Library
• Bluffton Senior Citizens Center

Each of the six organizations has projects where volunteers may assist. Persons unable to attend the Blaze also have the opportunity to pledge volunteer hours at Bluffton’s First National Bank branch from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7.

The first 100 volunteers to return their completed hours will each receive a $20 gift certificate from the bank. The 101st through 250th volunteers to return their completed hours will each receive a $10 gift certificate.