'18 Blaze theme: 12 Days of Christmas
CLICK HERE FOR A PARADE ENTRY FORM
Thousands of visitors will come to Bluffton’s downtown shopping district for the Blaze of Lights on Saturday, Nov. 24, when celebrations include a parade, live entertainment, a lighting ceremony and festive activities.
Here's the latest on this year's Blaze from the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.
SHOP SMALL SATURDAY
The afternoon of the Blaze is a perfect time to enjoy downtown Bluffton with its nine restaurants and carryouts, 16 shops, movie theater and special Blaze offerings. The Blaze is on Shop Small Saturday, a day to show your appreciation for local, independent businesses.
5 p.m. PARADE
The big Blaze parade begins at 5 p.m. With 100 entries expected from near and far, the parade always includes Santa Claus. To be part of the parade, submit the entry form to parade chairperson:
Junior Weihrauch
20791 State Route 68,
Arlington, OH 45814.
6 p.m. ENTERTAINMENT
At 6 p.m. live entertainment starts at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets and family-friendly activities begin.
7 p.m. CEREMONY
The ceremonial lighting of the Ream folk art display begins at 7 p.m. The Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn is filled with lights and paint and wood images of all things Christmas. Emcee John George, dressed as a town crier, will lead the festivities and an honorary “switch hitter” will turn on the lights.
REAM DISPLAY
Farmer Harry Ream started making and displaying Christmas decorations in 1938. In the mid-1980s, the Ream family donated 168 wood cutouts to the village. Dozens more have been added by artist Terry Mullenhour.
BLAZE TEAMWORK
The Blaze of Lights is a tradition that is 32 years in the making. It is the work of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Bluffton, and countless volunteers. In 2017, the Blaze was made possible by donations from over 20 businesses, organizations and individuals.
For more information about the Blaze of Lights, contact the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or (419) 369-2985.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Charles “Chuck” Wendall Collins, 63, owned Eagle Press Repairs
- Dwain L. Leiber, 87, owned Leiber Garage
- Kimberly Dawn Murphy, 55, taught at Findlay City Schools
- October 21 Bluffton Schools 2-hour delay
- Kaleidoscope Farms honoring veterans, thanking current troops, Nov. 8
- Filmmaker to preview documentary exploring life beyond incarceration
- ONU mobile health clinic at Senior Center on Oct. 28
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Columbus Grove-Bluffton Rd. closure planned for up to three weeks
- Two Pirate volleyball players make 1st team All-NWC
- 3 Pirate girls 1st team All-NWC soccer
- Pirates dominate All-NWC boys soccer awards
- Local filmmaker focuses on memories made by people and places
- Bluffton Public Library: Medicare 101
- BHS artists prepare Yankee Doodle Christmas Trees for Jingle Bell Stroll
Monday, October 19, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, October 14-18
- Ada Icon headlines, October 19
- JessExpress Travel is the Icon's newest advertiser
- Gatchel 7th in girls, Pirates 4th at NWC cross country meet
- Veterans invited to Pandora-Gilboa banquet, November 10
- October 19 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Wearable sculptures featured in exhibit On Soft Ground
- Historic depot rentals offered for meetings and parties