By all accounts this year's Blaze was a "sell out" for local food vendors. Temperatures hovering in the high 50s-low 60s not only brought out the crowds but attracted a higher number of parade entrants than in previous years.
Tied to the larger crowd, food vendors were happily suprised that they were running out of food. Jeanne Ream, selling hot dogs on Vine Street closed up shop after selling her last 'dog shortly after the parade ended.
Dick Ramseyer of the Bluffton Lions Club reported that all 525 barbecue chicken dinners were sold by 6:30 p.m. The BHS junior class post-prom food booth in front of the Bluffton News also reported successful sales as did the First Mennonite Church youth selling soup in front of the 138 Associates Professional Building.
Common Grounds, Luke's Bar and Grill, Jeanne's Kitchen and the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center also provided meals. The Senior Center sold out of food during the evening. The Dough Hook reported they sold out around 7 p.m.
The chamber's horse and wagon rides were very successful, as the line waiting for rides at times included a one-hour wait.
