The 24th annual Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce Blaze of Lights is Saturday, Nov. 27! Here is the up-to-the-minute Blaze information.

Blaze morning extravaganza - Saturday, Nov. 27
The year's Blaze starts with its first-ever Blaze of Lights Morning Extravaganza from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 27, at The Centre, 601 N. Main St.

This event is open to the public and offers opportunities for businesses and organizations to sell holiday products. Sixteen business and organizations have tables. A limited number of tables remain for chamber members at $25 per table. Contact [email protected] to reserve your table. The morning event include:
o A visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus
o Bluffton business silent auction
o Children's magic show at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. ($1 admission)
o Children's outdoor miniature train rides, compliments Beaverdam-Richland Township
Fire and EMS
o Children's fishing pond
o Doughnuts, coffee and juice for sale

The following tables are registered:
1 - Shirley's Gourmet Popcorn, 2 - SHANNON Service Club, 3 - Boehm's Homemade Food, 4 - Bluffton Hospital Auxiliary, 5 - Pampered Chef, 6 - Gina's gold Canyon Candles, 7 - Signature Homestyles, 8 - Twin Lakes Park, 9 - Drive Time Driving Instruction, 10 - Siimply Said, 11 - Thirty One and Tievoli Photography, 12 - Arbonne, 13 - BFR, 14 - Cellular Central, 15 - Premier Designs, 16 - Benefit table for Liam Cavinee

Main Street windows judged Saturday morning
On Blaze Saturday will be the Main Street retail district holiday window decorating contest. Businesses do not need to enter. All businesses will be judged. Winners will be announced at 4 p.m. Saturday. Businesses are encouraged to decorate windows based on this year's Blaze theme: "Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas." Prizes include a $50 pizza party from Luke's Bar and Grill for the first place window. Ribbons and certificates will be presented to the second and third place window.

State Route 103 decorating contest
In its second year is a separate contest for businesses on State Route 103, starting at Colonial Surface Solutions all the way to the Interstate 75 overpass. Three winners will be chosen. Winners will receive ribbons and certificates. State Route 103 judging takes place on Friday evening, Dec. 3.

Entertainment
Entertainment downtown follows:
4:00 p.m. - KDK (KidZ Drama Klub) from Grand Lake Theatrix Community Theatre Association in St. Marys, as well as the host of Soul of the City on WIMA radio.
4:30 p.m. - Halle Steingas, David Yoder
5:00 p.m. - Parade
6:00 p.m. - Bluffton High School Show Choir
6:30 p.m. - Lauren and Adam Wannemacher

80+ unit parade
This year's parade will form at 4 p.m. in The Centre parking lot. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. A first, second and third prize will be awarded to the top floats. Each winner will receive a trophy. Judging will take place at The Centre parking lot. Float winners will be announced during the parade.

According to Junior Weihrauch, parade coordinator, already 75 units have pre-registered for the parade. This is the largest Blaze parade in history. Persons wanting to be part of the parade may contact Weihrauch, 20791 State Route 68, Arlington, Ohio 45814, or call him at 419-365-5304. The parade route travels Main Street from The Centre to College Avenue.

Food
Bluffton Lions Club will offer a chicken barbecue from 4 to 7 p.m. on Blaze night. Meals are available at the elementary school. Meals may be picked up or eaten at the school. Tickets are now on sale from any Lion member.

Other food vendors at the town hall include: Royale Coffee Co., Gyro Corner, Jarrett Concessions. At the alley at Sports Warehouse will be Country Kettle Corn. In front of Sports Warehouse will be the Bluffton Wrestling Club with a bake sale.

Bluffton Senior Citizens will offer their traditional Blaze supper.

Parade marshals and "light switch person"
Two former Bluffton Scoutmasters, Richard Cookson and Richard Weaver, are this year's parade marshals. In addition, several other Bluffton scoutmasters will ride in a float. This is the 100th year for scouting. Larry Core, former village administrator, who is active in several local organizations, will turn on the Ream lights at 7 p.m.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus
Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be in the Blaze parade. Following the parade, they will meet with youth of all ages at the Senior Citizens Center.

Horse and wagon rides one night only
Weis Royal Carriages of Elida will provide horse and wagon rides on the night of the Blaze. This is the only night that those rides will be offered. Rides will start at the conclusion of the Blaze parade and will continue during the evening. Departure point for the rides is on East Elm Street at the town hall. Tickets for horse and wagon rides are $4 for persons 11 and older and $2 for youth 10 and under. Children who can sit on an adult lap have no charge. Tickets will be sold at the front entrance of the town hall. Ticket sales will begin during the parade.

Pony rides
New this year, weather permitting, will be pony rides for youth, provided by Hickle Pony Rides, Mt. Blanchard. Pony rides will be available in mid-afternoon to early evening. The pony rides will be set up on Vine Street.

Ricky Matter Strength and Fitness Center open house
The Center, on East College Avenue between Harmon Field at the railroad will have an open houseon Nov. 27. It will take place following the parade and will go until 6:30 p.m. Activities are available for youth from ages 3 to seventh grade. Coaches will be available to answer questions.

The Gift of Giving light show extravaganza
In its third season, the Gift of giving light show extravaganza will take place again across from Harmon Field stadium on East College Avenue. This year, the show will be viewed during the Blaze of Lights each evening from 6 to 11 p.m. from Nov. 27 through Jan. 1, 2011. Based upon last year's attendance, it is anticipated to attract an audience of over 5,000.

Bluffton Baptist Church live nativity
The Bluffton Baptist Church will hold its annual live nativity during Blaze night from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church parking lot, 345 County Line Road. Nativity dates are: Saturday, Nov. 27; Friday, Dec. 3; Saturday, Dec. 11; and Saturday, Dec. 18.

Residential decorating contest
Any resident within the Village of Bluffton corporation limits may enter the residential contest. Four prizes will be awarded:
oBest theme (Holly, Jolly Christmas)
oBest light display
oBest religious display
oBest general decoration

Judging will take place Friday evening, Dec. 3. Each winner will receive a sign to be placed on their lawn, indicating their award. In addition, each winner will receive a $50 Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificate.

To ask to have your lights judged send an e-mail to: [email protected] and list your address.