(From the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)
Movie night at MCPA!
Bring the whole family and enjoy a festive screening of Elf on Tuesday, December 2, at 7:30 PM!
We’ll have free popcorn, plus a cash bar and additional refreshments available at concessions.
Findlay City Schools is reminding students and parents of the dates of Thanksgiving Break.
The school district says there will be no school for students or teachers from November 26-28 for Thanksgiving Break.
See the full school district calendar by clicking here.
(ONN) – Ohio lawmakers are debating a bill that would ensure shoppers can still pay with cash.
House Bill 554 – the so-called ‘Cash Act’- would require most businesses to accept cash for purchases under $500.
Supporters say some retailers and venues are moving away from cash, even adding extra fees or blocking cash at self-checkout lanes.
The bill aims to protect consumers who rely on cash and have struggled when offices or stores refuse it.
If passed, major retailers would need at least one cash-accepting checkout, and charging extra for cash payments would be banned.
(From Visit Findlay)
The holidays are here, and Findlay and Hancock County have a lot to celebrate!
A few items of special note – Friday, November 28 from 4 – 7 p.m. is WinterFest. Outdoor vendors will be set up near the City of Findlay Christmas Tree selling their homemade treats, local art, and gifts. Also that evening is the City of Findlay tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. and the first night of Kiwanis Santa’s House with wagon rides in Downtown Findlay. Hancock County Children’s Choir and Findlay First Edition will be performing throughout the evening around the Christmas tree as well.
Many villages are celebrating with a tree lighting ceremony or hometown festival. Mt. Blanchard is holding their annual Christmas in the Village on December 6 with an outdoor ice skating rink, craft vendors, a parade, and more. December 7 is McComb’s Hometown Christmas with a craft market, live entertainment, and kids activities.
The Hancock Historical Museum is holding its annual Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 6.
Throughout the holiday season Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc. will hold their popular North Pole Express with their Christmas tree forest in the train barn and decorated campus, NWORRP’s North Pole Express is an official stop on Ohio Tourism’s Holiday Lights Trail. Family Resource Center’s inaugural Twinkle Nights is Hancock County’s only drive-through holiday lights experience hosted at the Hancock County Fairgrounds. Both North Pole Express and Twinkle Nights are held on weekends.
Local shops will be open on Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29 in celebration of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Many of these shop owners have unique stories.
See a list of holiday celebrations in the area here – https://visitfindlay.com/the-holidays-in-hancock-county/
(From the University of Findlay)
The power of pets as therapy, especially as a source of comfort in grief, will be the theme of the December 5 “Fridays at Findlay” presentation at the University of Findlay.
Dr. Jim Carlson, DVM, who owns a veterinary practice in Illinois focusing on holistic treatment for pets, will discuss “Pets as Therapy: How Pets Can Improve Our Lives.”
He will be joined by his son, George Carlson, a Bowling Green State University student, football player, and owner of Pudge, a Persian cat. A locker room companion to the Falcon football team, Pudge has become a national media sensation, appearing on CBS News and ESPN. George will be sharing the story of how Pudge was a gift from his late mother.
Dr. Carlson earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a doctorate in veterinary medicine both from Iowa State University. His practice of treating animals encompasses all elements of holistic care, such as alternative cancer treatments, custom holistic testing, energy medicine, acupuncture, herbs, cold laser therapy, natural food therapy, and aquapuncture. His clinic is an American Animal Hospital Association certified practice.
The event is open to the public and will take place in the Winebrenner Building, TLB Auditorium on the UF campus. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for a breakfast buffet with the presentation from 7:50 to 9 a.m.
Sponsored by WesBanco, the Fridays at Findlay lecture series encourages continued educational opportunities for members of the community, the campus, and alumni.
Register online by December 3 at www.findlay.edu/FridaysAtFindlay or call University Advancement at 419-434-5334 for more information. The fee is $12 for adults and $6 for students.
(From the Findlay Fire Department)
The Findlay Fire Department is sharing some Thanksgiving safety tips.
Fire Inspector Eric Wilkins says cooking is the number one cause of house fires, and more cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year.
As Inspector Wilkins said in the audio above, while you’re cooking, stay in the kitchen and remain alert, and if you’re baking or roasting something be sure to check it regularly.
Keep anything flammable away from the stove, like oven mitts and paper towels.
Don’t cook if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol.
If you use a turkey fryer to prepare your turkey, make sure the turkey is completely thawed, as frozen turkeys and hot oil do not mix well at all.
Also, be sure not to overfill your turkey fryer and to keep it at least ten feet away from any structures.
Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
“And don’t hesitate to call the fire department, that’s what we’re here for,” Wilkins said.
(From the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce)
The beloved Blaze of Lights event is ready to illuminate Bluffton with holiday cheer once more. Organized by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Village of Bluffton, this year’s celebration is set to provide a full day of festive activities on November 29, 2025.
Celebrate Small Business Saturday – Shop Local All Day!
Start your day by supporting Bluffton’s local businesses. Discover unique gifts and enjoy special deals as you shop small, reinforcing the community ties and getting into the holiday spirit.
Event Highlights:
4:00 PM – Vine Street Food Trucks: Indulge in a variety of flavorful options from local food trucks stationed on Vine Street, offering a delicious bite to delight every palate.
5:00 PM – Parade on Main Street: Experience the magic of our holiday parade as it makes its way from Snider Rd to College Ave, showcasing creative floats and the exuberant spirit of the season.
6:00 PM – Evening Activities on Main Street:
6:30 PM – Reading of the Christmas Story and Lighting of the Ream Display: Gather on Main St. for a heartfelt reading of the Christmas story followed by the festive lighting of the Ream display, a traditional highlight of the celebration.
7:00 PM – After the Blaze Party on Vine Street: End the night on a high note with the After the Blaze Party featuring food, adult beverages, and live music by the energetic “Stedic Music.” For more about Stedic Music, visit their Facebook page.
Join us for this annual Bluffton tradition, where community, lights, and holiday joy come together to create memories that last a lifetime. We invite everyone to partake in the festivities and joy of the season.
(From the Ohio State Highway Patrol)
As we prepare to gather with loved ones and enjoy turkey, pie and cherished traditions, let’s keep safety at the heart of our holiday plans.
In 2024, Ohio saw 10 tragic fatal crashes in which 11 people were killed, over the Thanksgiving holiday reporting period.
Troopers issued more than 1,000 speeding citations, made 247 OVI arrests, and issued 300 citations for distracted driving.
The Highway Patrol reminds motorists to drive sober, wear their safety belt, and put away all distractions before getting behind the wheel.
Remember, the most important ingredient for a successful celebration is arriving safely.
(From the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation)
Fun for All was created in response to local feedback that affordable, family-friendly activities were scarce.
From arts and theater to sports and recreation, there’s fun for everyone!
To keep the fun going, the Foundation board launched the Fun for All Fund.
All gifts to the fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 through December 20, 2025.
Since 2023, we’ve partnered with 31 organizations to bring 60+ free events to 40,000 people, half of Hancock County.
From pool days to opera nights, arts and crafts to ice skating, we’re breaking down financial barriers so everyone can enjoy arts, parks, and recreation right here at home.
Your support creates joy, connection, and lasting memories for our community.
Give the Gift of Fun this season! https://www.community-foundation.com/fun
(From Findlay First Edition)
Tickets are now available for Findlay First Edition’s 25th Annual Christmas Show & Spaghetti Dinner!
Purchase tickets online using the links below, or come to FHS in-person December 2nd from 3:30-7 to purchase via cash or check. Tickets are also available at the door.
4:00 Show:
https://findlaytrojans.hometownticketing.com/…/seating…
7:30 Show:
https://findlaytrojans.hometownticketing.com/…/seating…
Meal Tickets:
https://findlaytrojans.hometownticketing.com/…/1355…
