The Village of Bluffton will “Deck the Halls” for this year’s Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Blaze of Lights held Saturday, Nov. 30.

This year’s event, using the “Deck the Halls” theme has many of the traditional Blaze features plus some new features.

Events begin at 4 p.m. with Chad Hartson of Napoleon, award-winner ice sculpturer, creating an ice art statue on Bluffton’s Main Street. This is Hartson’s third appearance at the Blaze.

A PARADE ENTRY FORM AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PARADE ARE IN ATTACHMENTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY.

The Blaze parade starts at 5 p.m. and travels south on Main Street from Snider Road.

Junior Weihrauch, parade director, said that 50 units are already signed up for the parade. He hopes that number will double by Nov. 30. Among parade units includes the Findlay Shriner’s Clown unit, the Defiance Scarlet Strutters baton corp., many area fire department vehicles, lots of church and business floats, plus Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

Organizations interested in being in the parade should contact Weihrauch, 20791 State Route 68, Arlington, Ohio 45814, or call 419-365-5304.

New this year is a locally-produced theatrical performance by several area actors. Pat Rodabaugh is writing a drama that will reveal the story behind many of the historic Ream Holiday Folk Art cutouts that will be on display in the Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn between Nov. 30 and Jan. 2. The performance is at 6 p.m. on the Blaze stage on Main Street.

The Bluffton High School show choir, directed by Kara Zink, will perform following the theatrical work.

Then at 7 p.m. a local dignitary will turn on the lights of the Ream display. John George, town crier, is the Blaze master of ceremonies. He will read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke prior to the lights being turned on.

Horse and wagon rides will be available at 6:15 p.m. A kiddie train ride will also be providing rides for youths at 6:15 p.m.

Several local food vendors will offer a variety of food throughout the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, who will be at the end of the parade, will meet with youngsters in the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center following the parade.

The Gift of Giving, light show extravaganza will open for the 2013 Blaze season on Blaze night. Located across from Harmon Field on East College Avenue, the 15-minute light show will be open each evening through Jan. 2.

Two holiday lighting contests take place this year. One involves downtown business windows. The other involves residences in the village. More details on those two contests will be announced soon.

Free maps will be available online and in several Bluffton businesses. The maps show the locations of many of the light displays throughout the community. For additional updates on Bluffton’s Blaze check the chamber’s website at www.explorebluffton.com.

This year’s Blaze of Lights committee includes Weihrauch, George, Ryan Lowry, Phil Zimmerly, Lauren Beasley and Fred Steiner.