Bluffton's Blaze of Lights illuminated tonight

BLUFFTON — Bluffton will celebrate the 36th annual Blaze of Lights today. This year's theme is "A Candyland Christmas." Highlights include a 5 p.m. parade and the Ream Folk Art Display lighting ceremony. More than 100 units are expected to participate in the parade. Units will gather at Snider Road and Main Street and travel to College Avenue. After the parade, music and entertainment are planned. The Ream art display, located on the lawn of Bluffton Presbyterian Church, 112 N. Main St., will be illuminated about 6 p.m. The exhibit is featured on Ohio.org's Holiday Lights Trail. Farmer Harry Ream and his wife, Dorothy, started making and displaying Christmas decorations in 1938. In the mid-1980s, the family donated 168 wooden cutouts to the village. Dozens more pieces have been added since then by artist Terry Mullenhour. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children in the alley across from the Blaze stage. Free trolley rides will be provided by the Allen County Regional Transit Authority. Riders board the trolley in front of Citizens National Bank, 102 S. Main St. A Blaze After Lighting event will follow in a heated beer, wine and bourbon tent on Vine Street. Music will be provided by the Jerry Szabo Trio and the Pinup Project. The event is presented by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, the village of Bluffton and many volunteers.