Events

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December 3 at Senior Center

“Four guys walk into a Bluffton bank,” a collection of stories about the Aug. 14, 1933, John Dillinger robbery of Citizens National Bank, will be released in time for Christmas gift giving.

Fred Steiner compiled the 20-page, 5,000-plus word booklet, which will be available during a book signing from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center, 132 N. Main St.

This is the first time these stories are in one collection. Copies are $10 each.

“This collection contains genuine accounts of what took place during the most infamous Bluffton 20th century event,” said Steiner.

Bluffton News editor Ted Biery witnessed the robbery, watching it unfold as he hid behind an automobile on Main Street. His lengthy and detailed Bluffton News account is part of this collection.

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By Paula Scott

The 2022 Blaze of Lights celebrations have kicked off the Christmas season in Bluffton: holiday music now plays for downtown shoppers during the day and the lights of the Ream Folk Art Display will sparkle at night through the first of the year.

The 36th annual Blaze of Lights Festival on Saturday, November 26, was attended by exceptionally large crowds along the Main St. parade route from the neighborhood of Boutique 415 to College Ave. Although blankets, hats and gloves were in evidence, the weather was pretty spectacular for late November in northwest Ohio.

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A Mix & Match Christmas Cookie Sale is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10 at the Bluffton Presbyterian Church fellowship hall (corner of Main and Cherry streets).

Customers may select from a variety of home-baked cookies; cost is $7.00 per pound. 

Proceeds will support mission projects, both local and PCUSA denominational.  For more information, contact the church office 419-358-5806.

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  • Register by November 29

At 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District will offer Nature Pals: Winter Evergreens at the McElroy Environmental Education Center.

Children ages 3-5 and their adult companion are welcome to join park staff explore evergreen trees through crafts, hands-on activities, and a hike. Please dress appropriately for spending time outdoors.

Register by calling 419-221-1232 or go to www.jampd.com.

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By Paula Scott

On November 26, Bluffton will celebrate the 36th annual Blaze of Lights, a longstanding tradition rooted in the ingenuity and creativity of a local farming couple, Harry and Dorothy Ream. This year’s theme for the float competition and downtown business decorations is “A Candyland Christmas.”

The centerpieces of the Blaze celebrations are a 5:00 p.m. parade and the Ream Folk Art Display lighting ceremony featuring the Town Crier. Please note that from year to year some details change. Below is a listing of activities scheduled for 2022.

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The Bluffton/Pandora Swiss Community Historical Society Christmas Open House, “Christmas at the Homestead” will be held for two days, December 3 and 4, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Schumacher Homestead, located at 8350 Bixel Road, Bluffton.

The public is invited to tour the decorated 1843 house, snack on treats in the summer kitchen and listen to songs of the season. Guests can watch food being prepared in the fireplace, hand dip a candle, play a game of checkers, shop in the gift shop and chat with staff about the history of the house and typical life in the 1840s.

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