The Blaze of Lights is closer than you think.

Here are some imporant dates leading up to the Blaze for downtown businesses and volunteers interested in helping put up the Ream holiday folk art display.

Dates to remember -
• Saturday, Nov. 5 - Ream display lights put in place on Presbyterian lawn, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 12 - Ream display cutouts put in place on Presbyterian lawn, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 12 - Bluffton fire department hangs Christmas garland downtown, 8 a.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 25 - Blaze of Lights

New Blaze feature - Holly Follies Variety Show
Those of us old enough to remember the holly follies aren't new, but that this entertaining program of local talent was shelfed for many years.

It's back, thanks to Pat Rodabaugh. The follies take place Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m. in the Bluffton Middle School cafetorium. Tickets are sold at the door for $5 adults and $3 children, free for youth 3 and under.

Rodabaugh says the follies feature songs, dance, comedy talents and more entertaining acts from Bluffton town folk. Each night's show will be different. Watch the Icon for more details.

Blaze parade
There’s still time to enter a float or parade unit in the parade that is one of the highlights of the event. This year’s parade takes place on Saturday, Nov. 26, in downtown Bluffton.

BLAZE PARADE APPLICATION FORM
AT BOTTOM OF THIS STORY.

Junior Weihrauch is the parade chairperson. Groups interested in being in the parade should mail the application form to:
Junior Weihrauch
20791 State Route 68
Arlington, OH 45814
1-419-365-5304

This year’s Blaze theme is “Christmas Around The World.”

Last year, the parade topped 100 units. The Blaze planners hope to continue that parade size this year, making it one of the largest small-town parades in northwestern Ohio. Last year’s parade lasted 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 parade route, like previous years, is from Snider Road south on Main Street to College Avenue. There it turns onto East College Avenue and ends at Harmon Road.

The chamber asks groups that will hold dinners or special events open to the public on Nov. 26 to inform the chamber. That information will become part of the Blaze publicity. Send information to: [email protected].