The Bluffton Cultural Affairs Committee is coordinating volunteer assistance to set up the 50+ Blaze of Lights cutouts that decorate the Bluffton Presbyterian Church yard at Main and Cherry streets.
Set up is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. How long it takes depends on how many folks volunteer, according to committee member Jeff Stratton: "If we have 50 people show up, we'd be done in a couple hours." Any time donated, whether 1-2 hours or less, will benefit the Blaze of Lights.
All work is on the ground level. Children are welcome to help with ages 10-12 being the minimum age. Stratton adds, "If you are part of a student group, church or other organization, please spread the word." ◾️
The 38th annual Blaze of Lights holiday celebration, including the lighting of the Ream collection of vintage Christmas folk art, is scheduled for Saturday, November 30 in downtown Bluffton, Ohio.
The Ream display and thousands of lights in the surrounding trees are available for nightly viewing on the lawn of Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 102 N. Main Street, Bluffton from November 30 through January 1. The community joins in the Blaze spirit with numerous residential holiday light displays and folk-art decorations throughout the Village located off I-75. SCHEDULE ▶︎
The public is invited to hear Eric Kurtz, Executive Director of Mennonite Central Committee Great Lakes share stories about the work being done through MCC projects around the world. Kurtz will speak at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 17 at First Mennonite fellowship hall, 101 S. Jackson St.
Et Cetera, Inc. of Bluffton includes Ten Thousand Villages, Book Reviews and the Et Cetera Shop, which raise money for MCC. Et Cetera Inc. is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year.
The Bluffton/Pandora Swiss Community Historical Society will host Christmas at the Homestead on December 7 and 8 at the Schumacher Homestead.
The public is invited to tour the decorated 1843 farmhouse while snacking on homemade treats and listening to songs of the season. Guests can watch food being prepared in the fireplace, hand dip a candle, play a game of checkers, shop in the gift shop and chat with staff about the history of the house and typical life in the 1840s. ▶︎
By Scott Little
Bluffton Historical Society Secretary
The November meeting of the Bluffton Ohio Historical Society will take place on Wednesday, November 13 in the Shannon Room (History Room) on the main floor of the Bluffton Public Library at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting will include Committee Reports, such as the Althaus Building update on W. Elm St., and how we might be involved in the Nov. 30 Blaze of Lights Parade.
I hope to see you upstairs, uptown! Bring a friend and an old story. ▶︎
9:00 a.m., Friday, Nov. 22, Motter Metro Park, 10740 Columbus Grove Rd.
Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District will lead a late fall hike at Motter Metro Park. Register by Nov. 21 at www.jampd.com or call 419-221-1232.
Explore the prairie in late fall at beautiful Motter Metro Park. We’ll inspect habitat restoration work and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in late autumn. Dress for the weather.
