Ronald McDonald will be in Nov. 26 Blaze of Lights parade

The one-and-only Ronald McDonald is coming to the Blaze! Jerry Lewis McDonald’s Restaurants confirmed earlier this week that Ronald McDonald will participate in the Saturday, Nov. 26, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Blaze of Lights parade. More details on his visit will be released soon.

Several other Blaze developments were confirmed after the Oct. 13 Blaze committee meeting. A revamped downtown store window lighting contest will be unveiled soon. A traveling trophy will be presented to this year’s winner of the best holiday window display.

All businesses on Main Street who are part of the garland project will have an opportunity to vote for the best decorated window. Lauren Beasley of Citizens National Bank heads that committee.

A residential lighting contest is still in the works. Phil Zimmerly is developing that project. Watch for more details. This year’s residential contest will offer a $200 first place prize, $100 second place prize and $50 third place prize.

The Bluffton Public Library has taken on this year’s silent auction. Details on the auction will be released soon. The library is accepting gift baskets from area businesses. Businesses interested in participating may contact the library.

This year’s parade already has 40 entries according to Junior Weihrauch, parade director. He said that he is hoping for 80 entries this year. Among early entries already committed include the Findlay Zenobra Shriner’s clowns, a unicycle group from Findlay, one baton twirling group, in addition to other units. Trophies will be presented to the top three floats in the parade.

A parade entry form and other Blaze information is on the Bluffton chamber website at www.explorebluffton.com.

This year’s parade will form at the Centre at 4 p.m. The parade will start at 5 p.m. This year’s route will extend down Main Street and will turn onto East College and will disband at Morey’s. John George will again serve as Blaze MC.

Horse and wagon rides will take place following the parade with loading and unloading at the town hall. Tracy Steele is coordinating the rides. Other Blaze events are planned and need to be confirmed.

Terry Mullenhour, new chair of the Bluffton Cultural Affairs Committee, is working on the events that take place on the Blaze stage. Details are coming.

This year’s Blaze committee includes Ryan Lowry, Brandon Huber, Lauren Beasley, Tracy Steele, Phil Zimmerly, Junior Weihrauch and Fred Steiner.