Bluffton residents have crafted new ways to keep Blaze of Lights traditions rolling while observing current public health guidelines.
Chamber volunteers created a video of the Nov. 28 Blaze ceremony, which can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube, or by clicking here.
A "Giving with the Grinch" promotion invites the community to support area nonprofits through the United Way of Greater Lima. And on Dec. 5, the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted two well-received in-car events.
The video presentation includes:
• Town Crier Kevin Gratz provides a history of the Blaze of Lights and recites the Christmas story from Luke 2.
• Honorary "Switch Hitter" Dan Bowden turns on the display, which is illuminated until Jan. 1.
• The Bluffton High School Show Choir, directed by Kara Zink, performs "Baby It's Cold Outside," "Blue Christmas," and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch."
• Additional music is provided by trumpeter Dave Sycks, who performs seasonal favorites.
Collaboration with United Way of Greater Lima
The Bluffton chamber has collaborated with the United Way of Greater Lima to create a Blaze of Lights/Giving with the Grinch campaign in support of area non-profits.
The community is invited to make donations online, by clicking here, or by texting "Bluffton" to 26989.
Chamber members are also invited to schedule a photo opportunity with the Grinch to showcase employee contributions.
The free drive-in movie hosted by Bluffton Family Recreation on Dec. 5 quickly filled up with reservations. That same night, Santa's Caravan toured Bluffton's Blaze of Lights and residential light displays.
Some 90 participants registered for the procession including vehicles that were dressed up for the holidays. The caravan was led by Santa and Mrs. Claus riding on the Bluffton Fire Department's antique fire truck.
Fire Chief Jon Kinn served as chauffeur and the Bluffton Police Department directed traffic. Bluffton University radio station The Wit 96.1 FM provided a soundtrack of holiday music.
In keeping with Blaze of Lights tradition, chamber members provided generous financial support for the revised celebrations. Seventeen sponsors funded the movie and other Blaze of Lights expenses.
