If you’ve not marked Saturday, June 28, on your calendar, do so now. That’s the date that Bluffton’s going up in the air in all sorts of decorative colors and sounds.

It’s the date of this year’s Bluffton fireworks held at Bluffton University’s Salzman’s Stadium.

CHECK ATTACHMENT AT BOTTOM OF STORY FOR TEAM PHOTOS FROM SATURDAY.

Bluffton fireworks, presented by First National Bank and Springfield Fireworks, Bluffton, a production of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place in the outdoor athletic field area of Bluffton University at the corner of Bentley and Augsburger roads.

Several other Bluffton individuals, businesses and organizations have pledged to the project as fundraising continues. All donors will be recognized once funds are in place. Should this year’s goal of $8,000 be topped, funds collected will go into a starter fund for 2015.

On Saturday, Southgate Lanes hosted a fireworks fundraiser. It’s anticipated to generate $500 or more for the big night in June. Donations will be accepted until June 1.

Eight teams competed against each other in a sort of friendly rivalry on Saturday.

Competition included: Lukes’ Bar and Grill, Boehr Site Seekers, Bryant Heating and Cooling, Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Citizens National Bank, Ruth Everett Healing Touches, Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co., and Fortman Insurance.

The winning team was decided based up a three-game score, handicap, trivia pins and donated pins. Results follow:
1 – Luke’s 914
2 – Chiles-Laman 905.5
3 – Boehr Site Seekers 899
4 – Ruth Everett 877
5 – Fortman 866
6 – Citizens 795
7 – Bryant 779.5
8 – Shirley’s 760

Interested in donating to the fund?
Donations may be made to:
Bluffton Fireworks
Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 142
Bluffton, OH 45817

Community groups invited to participate

The chamber invites Bluffton community organizations to take advantage of the fireworks event. The chamber will serve as coordinator of the day’s activities. Community groups wanting to participate on June 28, prior to the fireworks, need to contact the chamber.

“We are open to all types of family activities prior to the fireworks – from chicken barbecues, to games for kids, entertainment, pie-baking contests – you name it,” said Fred Steiner of the chamber.

The chamber suggests groups interested in participating should plan their event to take place on the Bluffton University athletic field with a starting time of 5 p.m.

Organizations interested in participating in pre-fireworks activities should contact the chamber at [email protected], or call Steiner at 419-369-2985.

A chamber planning committee includes Brendon Matthews, Larry Hoffman, Branden Fortman, Jamie Mehaffie, Tammy Whitlow and Fred Steiner.

AN ATTACHMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY IS A FORM FOR DONATIONS AND FOR GROUPS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT.