Meet the patron saint and protector of Bluffton's outdoor Christmas trees
If you need a Christmas tree decorated, call Larry Kinn. The Icon found Larry stringing lights on this tree in Common Grounds on Monday, at the request of Phil Zimmerly.
Although quite modest, Larry admits to some interesting tree decorating projects in his long career. We don't know truth from falsehood here, but bear with us for a moment.
Once upon a time there stood a Christmas tree atop Salzman Stadium. It was Larry's pet project. Knowing, however, the temptation of college boys when the tree was erected, well, it soon disappeared.
Not to be outdone, so, the story continues, Larry repositioned the tree on the roof of the stadium's press box, this time wiring it to an alarm.
As predicted, the students lumberjacks made a second mid-winter midnight climb up the press box to dismantle Larry's artistic display. They, however, were foiled in their attempt.
You see, when the alarm went off the police claimed it was so loud that they heard from the town hall.
And that's why Larry is the patron saint and protector of outdoor Christmas trees in Bluffton.
Stories Posted This Week
Thursday, October 8, 2026
- St. John Bible Church to host "Refocus on Purpose" workshop
- Royal riches: Gout
- October 8 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Has Bluffton made a birder out of you?
- BPL Afterschool activity: Curious Kids Club
- Book and pizza tasting at Bluffton Public Library
- Final 50 for 250 performance at BPL
- Walking through the Suter Corn Maze
- Resident feedback sought for Regional Transportation Plan
- Bluffton University honors three for service, achievement and leadership
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting, Friday, Oct. 9
- Fire extinguished at SRK Industries, plant resumed operation same day
- Bluffton girls tie Grove in NWC showdown
- Pirate volleyball falls to powerhouse Patriots
- BHS GOAT: Latin teacher Margaret Weaver
- Library patrons invited to showcase their collections or causes
- September 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district
Monday, October 5, 2026
Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Bluffton Fire Dept. extricates passenger following I-75 crash
- Crumrine leads October 8 Watercolor Workshop
- MCHO opportunities to trick or treat, donate candy
- ALA Banned Books Week
- Pirate boys soccer blanked by Celina
- Hancock Public Health confirms measles case in Findlay
- Timeline for October 10 Dillinger robbery reenactment and motorcycle show