Who were Dorothy and Harry Ream? Did they make all those cutout displays on the Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn on display between Thanksgiving and New Year's? What’s their story?
Answers to those questions, for a generation of people who don’t know the Ream story, will be part of this year’s Blaze celebration. This summer, the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce invited a troupe of local actors and singers to put the Ream story to drama and music.
And they did.
In keeping with the “Deck The Halls,” 2013 Blaze theme, Pat Rodabaugh has created “Deck the Farmhouse.” The work includes short vignettes involving drama and song that brings to life Dorothy and Harry Ream, creator those magical folk art holiday cutouts.
The premier performance of “Deck the Farmhouse,” follows the Bluffton Blaze parade on Saturday, Nov. 30. Starting time is close to 6 p.m.
Rodabaugh estimates the performance to be about 30 minutes. At least a dozen Bluffton actors and singers will present the work on the Blaze stage in front of the Ream display. Actors will be named as soon as their specific roles are identified.
Here's this year's schedule of events:
4 p.m.- Chad Hartson, ice sculpturer, will create an ice art piece using a chain saw, in front of the Presbyterain Church lawn.
4 p.m. - The Blaze parade will form on Snider Road
5 p.m. - Blaze parade from Snider Road, down Main Street to College and to Triplett Drive
Approximately 6 p.m. - "Deck the Farmhouse," performance on the Blaze stage
6 p.m. - Horse and wagon rides, starting and stopping point, Common Grounds
6:45 p.m. - Bluffton High School show choir performs
6:55 p.m. - John George will read the Christmas story from Luke 2
7 p.m. - Everett Collier will turn on the Ream holiday folk art display lights
There are additional new features to this year's Blaze. Watch the Icon for that information coming soon.
Several organizations will have food for sale on Saturday. The Bluffton LIons will have a chicken barbecue. The Bluffton Senior Citizens will serve dinner.
Parade applications are still being taken. A parade application and letter of instructions are attachments at the bottom of this story.
