There they go. Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus in the 2013 Bluffton Blaze of Lights parade. With temperatures in the high 40, this year's parade nearly topped 100 units.
Esther P. Luginbuhl, 92, died at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton on Nov. 28, 2013. She was born Jan. 30, 1921 in Mount Blanchard to George and Naomi Crawford Shoemaker, who preceded her in death. On May 16, 1943 she married Delbert Luginbuhl who preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 1987.
Mrs. Luginbuhl graduated from Pandora High School in 1939. She worked in a variety of places during the years, including Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton University, Urich's IGA, and Triplett Corporation. She was a member of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton.
Chad Hartson of Ice Creations, Napoleon, launches today's Blaze of Lights in downtown Bluffton. He will create a Christmas tree ornament made of ice. His work, using chain saws, takes place from 4 to 4:45 p.m. in front of the Presbyterian Church. The Blaze parade follows at 5 p.m.
The Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce's Blaze of Lights is supported by over 25 sponsors. Here is this year's list of Blaze supporters.
Gold - $1,500
• Bluffton University
• First National Bank
• Jerry Lewis McDonald’s Restaurants
Silver - $500
• Bluffton Paving and Bluffton Stone Co.
• Bluffton Hospital
• Citizens National Bank
• DTR Industries
• Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio
• Shannon Theatre and Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co.
Two new special pieces make this year's Blaze of Lights very special. One is the premier performance of "Deck the Farm." Another is First National Bank’s “Kasasa Gift-For-Good Exchange.”
On Saturday Bluffton celebrates its favorite holiday - The Blaze of Lights. Sponsored by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, this is the 27th annual Blaze.
