An Indian Lake tradition that dates back to 1965 — the annual Ring of Fire — returns this year Sunday evening, Sept. 6, with participants invited to light their flares at 9 p.m. while surrounding Indian Lake.
This year, a total of 6,300 flares have been distributed to merchant and resort owners to sell, Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce President Amber Fagan said.
They can be purchased at: Aries Pharmacy, Bud’s Marine, Spend A Day Marina, Choice Properties, Community Markets in Lakeview, Cranberry Resort, Framing by Fuller, Hurley Farms, Lakeside Pro Bass Shop, Downtown Discount Grocery in Lakeview, Lakeview Hardware, Winner’s Market, and the Indian Lake Chamber office.
Just prior to the lighting of the flares, the Grimes Experimental Plane out of Urbana will fly over Indian Lake around 8:30 p.m. to display its myriad of colored lights to kick off the event. Participants are asked to wait until 9 p.m. to light their 30-minute flares, Fagan said.
”It is indeed a beautiful sight when the thousands of flares are lit simultaneously, casting a red glow on the waters of Indian Lake,” the chamber president said. “Some residents even light off fireworks during the event and many people take to their boats to get the overall picture of this beautiful and unusual sight.
“We are so honored to be able to continue this cherished tradition of Indian Lake.”
Show coverage will be provided by 102.1 FM T102.
In 1965, Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce board member A.M. Brown, Amusement Park manager, presented the idea for a “Red Flare Spectactular” to Warren Edwards, president of the chamber at the time.
Brown brought this idea from Buckeye Lake State Park where he had been park manager. The custom originated many years ago at Seneca Lake in New York State by the Seneca Indians when they celebrated a successful harvest by lighting bonfires on the shores of the lake.
He suggested that the chamber sell the flares to the residents and visitors of the lake. The chamber members agreed to sponsor the project and the annual “Red Flare Spectacular” started at Indian Lake during Labor Day weekend.
In years past, the red flare event signified the end of the summer season, but now it is the way to greet the fall and winter season’s activities. Because of the influx of more year-round businesses and professional residents, Indian Lake has a growing population that contributes to the local economic growth of the area also reaps the benefits of living in a community where they enjoy lake’s environment and many recreational facilities, chamber representatives noted.
The chamber is offering sponsorships of a case of flares for $120, or half a case of flares for $60.
These flares could represent your business, yourself, or the memory of a loved one. Volunteers are available to set and light them. Visit www.visitindianlakeohio.com to purchase cases.
Grimes Experimental Plane’s participation is sponsored by Shoreline Construction