By Carter Ritchey
The village of Bluffton begins its annual lighting of Christmas lights in late November with the “Blaze of Lights” Festival. This festival includes a parade, a visit from Santa, and a residential lights competition.
The village’s “Blaze of Lights” has been running annually for more than 35 years and counting. In 2018, this light display made a name for itself after being included in the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail.
The Ohio Holiday Lights Trail features 43 different shows and displays. With Bluffton being one of nine displays featured in northwest Ohio.
Alessa Deal, a senior art and psychology major, describes her favorite part about seeing lights around Bluffton during the holiday season.
“It almost makes it feel like a Hallmark movie,” said Deal. “It just gives you that “Christmas spirit” vibe.”
Deals favorite light show is at a residential home where there are 30 minute shows synchronized to music.
“I’ll sit out there every night for hours and watch this show,” said Deal. “They have their own radio station and you can just sit in your car. It’s very modern and there is something for all ages. I would definitely recommend that.”
“Gift of Giving” light show. Photo taken by Carter Ritchey.
This show is a little ways past the Ebenezer Mennonite Church on Columbus Grove Road on the right hand side. It runs every night until 11 p.m. and will display its final show on December 31. They also accept donations for the Bluffton food bank.
Another synchronized light show titled “Gift of Giving,” put on by Bluffton village volunteers, takes place across the street from the Bluffton High School football stadium.
Along with the musical synchronization, this show tells the story of a young tree that does not get picked to be a Christmas tree. An older tree tells the younger tree that the true joy of the trees is the gift of giving to others.
Bluffton Presbyterian Church displa. Photo taken by Carter Ritchey.
The Bluffton Presbyterian Church has their own display of lights and nativity figures shown around their front lawn.
Deal gave final recommendations for displays to visit in town.
“I would say Main Street because it’s very vibrant and draws you in,” said Deal. “I would recommend any show with multicolored lights because it makes you feel like a kid again.”
