There will be lots to watch at the Nov. 30 Bluffton Blaze of Lights parade, according to Junior Weihrauch, parade director.

Weihrauch anticipates nearly 100 units in this year’s parade, making it larger than last year and, in terms of time, making it nearly a one-hour parade.

FOR A LISTING OF THE ENTIRE BLAZE SCHEDULE CLICK HERE.

Leading the parade will be the Bluffton American Legion Post 384 color guard. Behind them is the Allen County Sheriff horse posse, and the Bluffton High School band.

The parade marshals this year are Jerry Burkholder and Roger Brodman. Everett Collier, also in the parade, will turn on this year’s Ream lights.

One of the new units this year includes the Findlay City Middle School Shock Wave drum line.

In addition, several Zenobia Shriners clown units will participate, including the Zenobia Jeepsters from Toledo, Zenobia Hillbillies from Perrysburg and the Findlay Shrine clowns.

Several dance and baton corps are registered. Those include the Five Star Baton Corp (formerly called Main Attraction Baton Corp), Findlay, the Defiance Scarlet Strutters and Dancers Elite from Bluffton.

Roger Neff of Findlay will bring five military vehicles. The Romick Railway, who will offer kid’s train rides following the parade, will also be in the parade.

In addition, countless area fire departments are bringing vehicles. Bluffton’s department is part of that group. Bringing up the end of the parade will be the Bluffton fire department and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

This year’s parade includes several floats from community organizations, churches and businesses.

Weihrauch said that groups interested in being in the parade may contact him at:

Junior Weihrauch
Bluffton Blaze Parade Director
20791 State Route 68
Arlington, OH 45814
Call after 2 p.m., 419-365-5304

Or groups may completed the parade application form attached at the bottom of this story and send it to [email protected].

Parade units will be accepted until 4 p.m. the day of the parade. The parade will form on Snider Road and The Centre parking lot.

This year’s parade starts at 5 p.m. and will head south on Main Street to College Avenue. There it will turn onto Triplett Drive where it will disperse.

First, second and third place trophies will be presented to the top three floats in the parade.