Bluffton’s Blaze of Lights began in the 1930s with three lighted, painted deer on the Ream family farm.
In 2017, thousands of visitors are expected on Saturday, Nov. 25, to see the lighting of some 200 folk art pieces and enjoy the village’s 31st annual Christmas festival.
The Blaze of Lights parade begins at 5 p.m., but entries assemble at 4 p.m. and viewers start to gather well in advance.
A volunteer coalition of Bluffton residents will post the Ream Holiday Folk Art Display cutouts on the Presbyterian Church lawn starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, according to Lynda Best, who is working on the project.
The set-up is part of the Bluffton Cultural Affairs Committee, but with last January’s retirement by Terry Mullenhour, who chairs the committee, no replacement was made by the village.
“Because of a forecast of 100 percent chance of rain on Saturday, we will start at 3 p.m. on Friday,” she told The Icon. “We will try to finish Saturday, weather permitting.”
During the two-week period leading up to World Kindness day on Nov. 13 the Tell Me Something Good team at Tower International, Bluffton, conducted a drive collecting food and personal care items.
The team and their fellow employees donated 260 items that will benefit the Bluffton Food Pantry and an additional 10 items and $125 to benefit the Lifeline Christian Mission program. A former Tower coworker recently developed a strong relationship with the mission program.
The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring a residential holiday lighting contest. The judging will take place on Wednesday evening Dec. 6.
Here’s what you need to know:
Bluffton residents who want their displays to be judged must send a request to [email protected]. The e-mail request must have the family name and address listed.
The e-mail entry assures that your residence will be judged. The judges will also consider displays not formally entered.
Christine Schroeder of Healthe Habits for Living will present a free lunch and learn for seniors at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center, 132 N. Main St., Bluffton.
“Persons attending will learn how to become a healthier person,” said Schroeder, who holds a master’s of occupational therapy (MOT) degree from the University of Findlay.
She added that the program will focus on fitness and well-being and the ability to cope with everyday activities.
Her business is located in Ellerbrock Spine and Soft Tissue, 120 Main St., Suite A, Bluffton.
