Countdown to Amerifest

The Bluffton Lions Foundation, Bluffton-Pandora Rotary Club, and the Relay for Life of Bluffton Committee are all preparing for the quickly approaching Amerifest weekend.

Three summertime favorites in Bluffton will blend into one for the weekend event on June 26 and 27.

"The planning process is going very well," said Dick McGarrity, Bluffton Lions Club vice president. "The three festivals are usually separate; now that they are all on the same weekend, we expect the turnout to be better than ever."

The Bluffton Lions Crossroads of America Car Rally will begin on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. Visit www.blufftonlionsfoundation.org for more details.

Relay for Life activities will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday with registration and a survivor's meal on university stadium grounds.

Activities from the Freedom Festival will begin at 5 p.m. at Bluffton University's Salzman Stadium. The winner of the Lions Club Corvette Raffle will be announced at 10:15 p.m. with fireworks to follow.

Musical entertainment will be provided by a wide variety of local acts including: Cindy's Tap on Wood Dancers, Sons of Adam, a contemporary Christian rock band, Flag City Cloggers, and Lima Area Concert Band.

Closing ceremonies for the two-day event will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 27. A community worship service will be included.

A highlight of the weekend will be a parade through downtown Bluffton at noon on Saturday, June 26. The parade lineup will begin at 10:30 a.m. on East College Avenue at Railroad Street. The parade route will be from the staging area to Main Street, Main Street north to Elm Street, Elm Street to West Bentley, Bentley Road south to Bluffton University.

Local businesses, organizations, and groups are invited to walk in the parade for Bluffton's first ever Amerifest celebration. All interested parties should contact Junior Weihrauch, parade chairman, at 419-365-5304 (please call after 2 p.m.) by June 18.