Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus sent in their RSVP, so now the work begins.

It’s August but the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce Blaze of Lights Committee work is underway.

This year’s Blaze of Lights is Saturday, Nov. 28.

PARADE INVITE LETTER AND APPLICATION AT BOTTOM OF PAGE.

Blaze theme
According to Lauren Beasley, Christmas lighting contest director, “This year’s Blaze theme is ‘A Christmas from the Past.’ Downtown businesses are encouraged to start thinking about ideas to decorate their store windows based on that theme.”

Windows winners will be selected by downtown businesses. This year’s residential lighting contest details will be announced soon. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners.

Parade
Entries for this year’s Blaze parade are being mailed this week, according to Junior Weihrauch, parade director. He said that he anticipates another 100-unit parade, making it one of the largest small-town parades in northwestern Ohio. Last year’s parade time was one hour.

Local businesses, organizations, clubs and individuals are invited to participate.

The year’s parade will line up on Snider Road beginning at 4 p.m. The parade starts at 5 p.m.

The first parade unit already committed is Ronald McDonald. He participated in the parade two years ago and said that he is very happy to return to Bluffton this year.

A parade marshal and “switch hitter” are yet to be named. The Bluffton Cultural Affairs Committee, chaired by Terry Mullenhour, selects those persons. Watch for more information coming about November Saturday Ream Holiday Folk Art Display set up dates and times.

John George returns as the town crier, also known as the master of ceremonies.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will again be in the parade. They will meet youth of all ages in the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center following the parade.

Additional elements, including entertainment, will be announced soon. The chamber asks groups that will hold dinners or special events open to the public on Nov. 28 to inform the chamber. That information will become part of the Blaze publicity.