By BARBARA BARBIERI

On Sunday the 3rd Annual “Joyful Sound of Christmas” celebration, featuring local vocalists and instrumentalists, was held in the lobby of the Auditorium,  428 S. Oak St. in Bluffton.

The “joyful” program was held in the lobby of the Auditorium on South Oak St., against a background of a cozy fireside. Otto “Tank” Lowe, at right, served as the MC for the program in addition to singing.

Attendees were able to come to visit with Santa in his big sleigh and snap photos, pause for a cup of hot cocoa or apple cider and stay for the entertainment that began at 4 p.m.

Otto “Tank” Lowe was the organizer of the event and started off the entertainment with the singing of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” He was followed by Jessica Barker singing “Go Tell It On the Mountain.”

“Joy to the World” was sung by the Wyatt (Jeff, Deborah and Gabriel) and Summerfeld (Ethan and Grace) families.

The rest of the entertainment included:

A vocal by Grace Summerfeld; Joy to the World by the Wyatt and Summerfeld families; piano selections by Abigail Schlemmer, Bri Schlemmer and Grace Bender; guitar music by Carson Bender and Eli Bender; a vocal by David Shepherd; guitar/vocals by Lisa Rich and a French carol by Sarena and Emma. 

Santa and his helpers were available for visiting as he sat in his big sleigh. (Photos by Barbara Barbieri)

A sing-along, conducted by Lowe and ending with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” concluded the celebration.

The Wells County’s Creative Arts Council were sponsors.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR