I hope by now that we have all come out of our Thanksgiving dinner food comas and are ready to start thinking about the upcoming Christmas season. We have many opportunities to spend time with the family, creating lasting holiday memories.
Parents of little ones, mark your calendars for Toddler Story Time with Mrs. Claus on Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. Toddlers are invited to listen to stories told by Mrs. Claus, take part in some fun winter craft activities, and enjoy burning off some energy in a bounce house!
Santa has scheduled his annual trip to the Bluffton City Gym Thursday, Dec. 14, from 5:30-7 p.m. Bring the kids to Winter Wonderland to play games, jump in a bounce house, and tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. Enter the glass door on the west side of City Hall (128 E Market) for this free event.
Happy Pawlidays! The Bluffton Parks Department invites you and your pet to the annual Paws and Claus Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Bluffton City Gym. Bring your camera to snap a photo of your pet with Santa. Pets will receive free treats and must be clean and leashed. If your pet-friendly business or organization would like to participate as a vendor at Paws and Claus, please email events@blufftonindiana.gov for free table space. Questions call 824-6069.
The Parks Department was happy to be on the Parlor City Christmas Planning Committee again this year. Join us for a fun, family-friendly festival throughout downtown Bluffton Saturday, Dec. 9.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
• 8-10 a.m. — Breakfast—cost $11 (American Legion)
• 8-11 a.m. — Breakfast with Santa—donation (Masonic Lodge)
• 9:30-1:45 p.m. – Cookie Walk Benefiting Grace & Mercy (The Lounge)
• 9:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. — Musical Entertainment featuring Studio 88, Jeanette S. Lundeen Music Studio, Creative Arts School of Music, Tammy Ray Piano Studio, and Gretchen Steffen’s piano students
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Wood Carvings by Ryan Frauhiger of Forrest Carvings; warm up by the outdoor fire on the patio and enjoy a Pinewood Derby track (Wells County Commerce & Visitors Centre — 211 W. Water St.)
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Parlor City Shopping Fair—shop local with 35+ artisans and vendors (Wells County Commerce & Visitors Centre)
• 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. — Trolley Rides (stops at the library, Historical Museum, Wells County Commerce & Visitors Centre, and Market St.)
• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Christmas at the Mansion (Wells County Historical Museum)
• 11 a.m.-12 p.m. — Owl and Raptor Demonstration (100 block of W. Market St.)
• Live Reindeer (100 block of W. Market St.)
• 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Sentimental Journeys horse-drawn wagon rides (Start from the Wells County Public Library)
• Goodie Walk—free food & treats by local businesses throughout Downtown Bluffton
• Connect 4 Basketball (100 block of W. Market St.)
• Santa photos — free pictures by Burman Photography (Hosted at Parlor Studios — 224 W. Market St.)
• NeuEnchanted Expressions Face Painting by Carissa free face-painting (Wells County Commerce & Visitors Centre)
• A Balloon Above — free balloon animals (209 W Market)
• Jessica Shoemaker Events — free photo booth (209 W Market)
• Traveling carolers, a snowman character, and photo cutouts throughout downtown
• Princess Meet and Greet
• Busted Haft Ax throwing
• Crafts, goodies, and mini organ concerts at 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 1:15 p.m.
• 11 a.m.-evening — Live Nativity (Dutch Mill Plaza)
• 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. — White Christmas by the Creative Arts Performance Company — admission adults $15; $10 children under 12 (Life Community Church Auditorium — 428 S. Oak St.)
6-9 p.m. — Wonderland of Lights—entry donation (Ouabache State Park)
Throughout the Day
• Vote on your favorite in the Window Decorating Contest
• Read a winter story at the StoryWalk® at Pickett’s Run Park
For more information, contact the Parlor City Christmas committee at parlorcitychristmas@gmail.com.
Have a great week!
