I can’t believe we are already at the first weekend of December. Our office has been working in overdrive to gear up for this holiday season. Santa letters have been pouring in, and he wanted us to remind all the children to clearly write their name and address on the outside of the envelope if they would like a return letter. The last day to drop a letter in Santa’s mailbox in front of City Hall is Friday, Dec. 9, at 4:30 p.m. This is a free service for Bluffton residents; no postage is needed.
Today is the Elks Shoot-off at 4 p.m. in the Bluffton City Gym. The Elks Hoop Shoot is a free throw program for boys and girls ages 8-13. Open gym begins at 3:30 if your child would like to practice beforehand.
Next week is a very fun-filled week that your family won’t want to miss. Don’t forget that the Gingerbread Contest entries are due by the end of the day on Friday, Dec 9. The contest is divided into the following age groups: 9 and under (adults may help), 10-15, and 16 years – adults. Gingerbread Contest Voting will take place on the Bluffton Parks Department Facebook page from Dec. 12–16. Photos of each entry will be posted, and every “like” will be counted as a vote; vote for as many as you like, and the person with the most votes per age group wins.
Paws and Claus will be Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the City Gym (128 E Market). Bring your furry friend (in their best Christmas outfit) for a photo with Santa. Bring your camera to capture the moment. Pets will receive free treats and must be clean and kept on a leash. If your pet-friendly business would like to have a table set up at Paws and Claus, please get in touch with the Bluffton Parks Department at events@blufftonindiana.gov or call 824-6069.
Free Storytime with Mrs. Claus is scheduled this Thursday, Dec 8, from 11-noon. Tots will enjoy meeting Mrs. Claus, hearing a story, doing a small craft, and jumping in the bouncy house. Winter Wonderland will be that evening, and all the good boys and girls of the community should stop by the city gym from 5:30-7 p.m. Each child will get to play Christmas games, visit with Santa, and burn off some energy in the jump house. Enter the glass door on the west side of City Hall.
We have made numerous long-distance phone calls to the North Pole, and you will be happy to hear that Santa has agreed to ride around Bluffton in a Fire Truck again. Tentative dates and times are as follows: He will drive through houses East of St Rd 1 on Monday, Dec 12, from 4:30- 5:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Dec 14, he will be waving to the kids on the West side of St Rd 1 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Finally, on Thursday, December 15, he will visit homes North of the Wabash River from 4:30-5:30 p.m. You can find maps of the routes on the Bluffton Parks Department website: Monday: https://tinyurl.com/2p9aye3h Wednesday https://tinyurl.com/37wua835 Thursday https://tinyurl.com/4mzmnftn.
Peppermint the elf will be in Bluffton from December 5 – 21, having fun at the city parks. Follow the Bluffton Parks Department on Facebook to find clues to her location as you Search for Santa’s Helper. Children ages 12 and under who find her paper photo hidden in the park can take a selfie with it and post it to the Bluffton Parks Facebook page for a chance to be randomly drawn for a prize.
Have a great week!
