Date Set For Bluffton Blaze Of Lights Tradition
(From Explore Bluffton)
The 37th annual Blaze of Lights holiday celebration, including the lighting of the Ream collection of vintage Christmas Folk-Art, is scheduled for Saturday, November 25 in downtown Bluffton, Ohio. The Ream display and thousands of lights in the surrounding trees are available for nightly viewing on the lawn of Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 102 N. Main Street, Bluffton from November 25 through January 1. The community joins in the Blaze spirit with numerous residential holiday light displays and folk-art decorations throughout the Village located off I-75.
Activities on November 25 include Small Business Saturday specials at downtown businesses and carolers on Main Street. One of the largest holiday parades in the area begins on Snider Road at 5 PM and travels up Main Street to College Avenue. Following the parade, entertainment will be offered on the main stage. At 6:30 p.m. the lighting ceremony will begin with the reading of the Christmas story followed by the lighting of the Ream display.
After the parade, you can visit Santa, ride the Romick Railway, ride the Allen County RTA Trolley for a tour of decorated homes all at no charge. Johnny Appleseed Park District will also be on hand at the Senior Citizens Center with displays and a project for the kids.
The Blaze After Lighting returns this year with selections of beer, bourbon pours, spiced wine, and hot chocolate, along with local food vendors and live country music by Wastin’ Neon under a heated tent on Vine Street.
The Blaze of Lights celebration is sponsored by the Village of Bluffton and Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the event, visit www.explorebluffton.com or contact Jim Enneking, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce executive director at 419-369-2985.
Community Calendar announcement
Saturday, November 25 – Bluffton’s 37th Annual Blaze of Lights celebration starts at 4PM on Main St., Bluffton, OH with groups of carolers wandering down Main Street. The parade begins at 5 PM, followed by entertainment on the main stage. At 6:30 PM the lighting ceremony will begin with the reading of the Christmas story and lighting of the Ream Christmas folk-art display. Visit with Santa, ride the Romick Railway, visit with Johnny Appleseed Metroparks, and tour the lights of Bluffton on the trolley. Afterwards enjoy an evening of country music under a heated tent. The event is free and open to the public.