Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, November 19, 2018
(BEDFORD) - It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas as Bedford Revitalization Inc. is putting the final touches on a cherished holiday tradition - Christmas Around the Square - Saturday, December 1.
More than 100 entries will take part in the annual Christmas Parade and leading the parade will be grand marshals Ken and Donna Brumbaugh.
At 5:30 p.m. at the steps in front of the Miss Indiana Statue the Ken and Donna will flip the switch to for the Lighting of Tree in Harp Commons. Then the parade will step off at 6 p.m.
This year's parade theme is - Twas the Night before Christmas.
Ken and Donna have been married 57 years and have three adult children.
The family moved to Bedford 46 years ago from South Haven, Michigan when Ken became plant manager of South Haven Coil.
He has served as a deacon, chairman of deacons and chairman of the trustees at First Baptist Church. Donna has also served as deaconess and treasurer for the church.
Ken is a member of Bedford Exchange Club, a member of the Bedford Lions Club, where he serves as chairman of the ramp committee and a member of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of Small Business
Manufacturing Committee and W. P. Woods Fellow and earned the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds award.
He also enjoys woodworking and is a member of South Eastern Indiana Woodturners Association.
He has worked to raise funds for Riley Cancer Research for Children and Lawrence County Cancer Patients Services.
Donna worked in the Bedford clerk-treasurer's office for more than 20 years and served as clerk-treasurer for eight years.
Donna was a certified medical assistant and worked in internal medicine at Edgewood Clinic and for Dr. M. Zia Borhan.
She also serves as the Bedford Rotary Club's chairwoman of community service.
Donna's charitable contributions include - served as chairman of Bikeathon for Diabetes, American Cancer Society, Riley Cancer Research for Children, Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services board, Lawrence County Community Foundation board.
She was awarded "A League of Her Own" at Women of Excellence, Bicentennial torchbearer, and Bedford Rotary Club chairman of Community Service.
"One of the first things we noticed about Bedford when we moved here was it was a supportive and caring
community. Bedford was a great place to raise our kids," Donna says. "They received a great education that got them where they are today. We have never regretted moving here."
After retirement, the Brumbaughs have catered for friends and not for profits on numerous occasions.
"We can do it together and for a lot of good causes, " she added. "If it is a cause we believe in, we are happy to help."
Christmas is the couple's favorite time of year.
"I refer to Ken as the biggest kid in town" she added. "He gets as excited about Christmas like a kid. We love to decorate and last year we were on the home tour for the Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services fundraiser. Our favorite displays are those of Santa kneeling at the manger. Ken still looks for Santa on Christmas Eve. The spirit of Santa is giving, and Christ came to give his life for our salvation - WE LOVE CHRISTMAS !"
Before the parade steps off those attending can visit the Open Air Christmas Market from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and enjoy food from local food trucks and vendors. There will be Christmas decor, handmade items, winter accessories, jewelry and more.
Christmas music will fill the air putting everyone in the Christmas spirit as those attending enjoy the sights of Christmas season downtown and take in the beautifully decorated downtown window displays. For every $5 you spend with a downtown business merchant, you'll be entered for a chance to win a Grand Prize - A Downtown Merchant Gift Basket!
Purchases must be made within the contest period of 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on December 1 to qualify. Bring your receipt to the check-in station, located at the Miss Indiana Statue on the west side of the courthouse lawn, in order to get your entries into the contest. A representative will be stationed there from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. or you can text a photo of your receipt (showing the date and total purchase amount - more than one photo is fine if need be) with your name to 812-329-4221.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, December 1, 2018
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
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