Santa and Mrs. Claus rode atop an antique fire truck in the Bluffton Blaze of Lights Parade.
File photo | The Lima News
This will be the 33rd year for the Blaze of Lights Festival.
File photo | The Lima News
Ice carver Josh Smith puts the final touches on an ice nutcracker during the Blaze of Lights in Bluffton.
File photo | The Lima News
Columbus Grove Christmas Lights on display.
File photo | The Lima News
Bill Lyons, owner of The Cheap Sign Company in Lima, volunteers his time to decorate Lima Town Square light posts with large Christmas snowflakes lights.
File photo | The Lima News
LIMA — Several communities will officially flip the switch on the holiday season this weekend.
• 4-H Exchange Holiday Light Show Drive-Thru: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 27, Van Wert County Fairgrounds.
The 12th annual light show will feature over 120 themed displays provided by local businesses, individuals and organizations. Carriage rides will be available Dec. 13 and 14 while Santa will be onsite every Saturday. Cost is $5 per carload or a decal is available for $10 for unlimited access. Enter through Gate 4 off Fox Road.
• Blaze of Lights Festival: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Village of Bluffton.
The festival will begin with the annual parade down Main Street at 5 p.m. followed by live music on the stage at Bluffton Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m. and the lighting of the Ream Folk Art Display at 7 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Bluffton Senior Center from 5:30 to 9 p.m. where there will also be horse and wagon and train rides. Special festival meals will be available at the senior center and church. Decorations will be illuminated through Jan. 1, 2020. Bluffton is one of the stops on the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail.
• Harrod Polar Express: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Railroad Heritage Park, Harrod.
Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and the conductor for a magic ticket to go aboard the red caboose, where there will be cookies and hot chocolate. The event is free. Bring your own camera for pictures with Santa.
• Winter Walk: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Downtown Lima.
Downtown Lima will fill with pop-up shops, entertainment, carolers, ice sculpture demonstrations, trolley and horse-drawn carriage rides, and food and beverage samplings. ArtSpace/Lima will also have a “Beyond Our Imagination” book signing from 5 to 9 p.m. as well as a gingerbread house competition display. Tickets to unlock promotions and discounts are $25 for those age 18 and over at theprqueen.com.
Reach Tara Jones at 567-242-0511.
