John Murray Blaze parade marshal; Jerry Burkholder will "hit the switch" to turn on the Ream display

Two life-long Bluffton volunteers will be honored during this year's Blaze of Lights.

John Murray, long-time Bluffton resident and member of the Bluffton sesquicentennial committee, will be the 2011 Blaze of Lights parade marshal, according to Terry Mullenhour, chairperson of the Bluffton Village Cultural Affairs Committee.

The Blaze is Saturday, Nov. 26. This year's parade is at 5 p.m. The Ream lights turn on at 7 p.m.

Murray, a fourth-generation Bluffton resident, has created several scrapbooks of community events over the years. In memory of his mother, Ruby Murray, he sponsored construction of the the school bell display between the elementary and middle schools. His mother was an elementary teacher for many years in Bluffton.

Another long-time community volunteer, Jerry Burkholder, will have the honor of turning on the switch of this year's Ream holiday folk art display, according to Mullenhour.

Burkholder has served as craft director of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce arts and crafts show for many years. He also served on the sesquicentennial committee.

In addition, he has helped in the placement and take down of the Ream display for many years.

Both men will ride on the Blaze parade. According to Junior Weihrauch over 65 units are already part of this year's parade. He anticipates over 80 units in the parade.