Everett Collier will turn on this year's Ream display lights; Jerry Burkholder, Roger Brodman parade marshals

The many pieces of Bluffton's Blaze of Lights are coming together as the community approaches Nov. 30.

According to Terry Mullenhour, Village Cultural Affairs Committee chair, Everett Collier, retired Bluffton postmaster, will turn on the lights this year. He served as Bluffton's postmaster for 13 years. He will turn the lights on at 7 p.m. following the parade and one hour of entertainment.

Collier has been active in several community events. He is a member of the Bluffton council, has performed in several local theatrical productions, including "Driving Miss Daisy," presented last winter. At a previous Blaze, he recited the Christmas story from Luke, prior to the Ream holiday folk art light display being turned on.

Two community volunteers are this year's parade marshals, according to Mullenhour. Roger Brodman and Jerry Burkholder each received that designation. Both are long-time volunteers in several community activities, including the setup and takedown of the Ream display. In addition, Burkholder has served as director of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce arts and crafts show since its inception.

Parade invitations
Community groups are encouraged to participate in this year's Blaze parade. Junior Weihrauch, parade director, said that already 50 units have registered. A parade application form is in an attachment at the bottom of this story.

This year's schedule for Ream display set up follow: 
• Saturday, Nov. 2 - Lights will be hung on the Presbyterian Church lawn.
• Saturday, Nov. 9 - Ream display cutouts will be placed on the lawn.

Mullenhour invites all community individuals and organizations to assist in both or either of these events. Please contact her at terry&[email protected] for more information.

Garlands on Main Street
Jon Kinn, Bluffton fire chief, said that the fire department will hang Christmas lights on Main Street storefronts on Saturday morning, Nov. 16. A rain date is Saturday, Nov. 23.

 

 

 

 

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