Holiday tradition attracts hundreds

A couple of days before the 80th annual Jasper County Courthouse holiday lighting ceremony and the 11th annual lighted Christmas parade, it looked like the weather might make events and procedures difficult.

However, clear conditions and temperatures in the upper 30s prevailed on Friday, making for a breezy, chilly ceremony, but one with no new precipitation. Horse-drawn carriage rides, treats and appearances by Santa Claus greeted hundreds of children and others who attended the festivities.

Phyllis McDonald is the co-owner of Plume Hill Carriage Service, which brought in the carriages and horses for the rides, said her husband Keith and her have had to adapt for the weather many times during past years’ ceremonies.

“To get all this deep cold for so long in November is a little odd,” she said. “But we adjust as we go. For example, we did three teams this year, where we usually only do two.”

The third Plume Hill carriage was actually a sleigh with wheels on the bottom, and carried Santa as part of its precious cargo.

The Young Professionals of Jasper County put on a small chili cookoff in front of the courthouse before the lighting commenced. Chef Dale Miller, of Hy-Vee, won the cookoff, beating out entries from local resident Mark Allen, of Edward Jones, Jeff Price of Great Western Bank, Jeremy Biondi of Moo’s BBQ and the colorfully dressed Trent Staley of Iowa Speedway.

Staley was the only chili contest participant in full costume. With the Wonder Bread NASCAR racing suit reminiscent of the movie “Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby” covered by a green elf jacket and hat, Staley was a Will Ferrell-inspired character he called “Ricky Buddy, the NASCAR Elf.”

“If you’re not first, you’re a cotton-pickin’ ninny muggins,” Staley said.

The lighting of the courthouse went up with the expected cheers, although many in attendance were inside the warm courthouse at the time — some admiring the Festival of Trees presentation.

The parade followed, with Santa Claus waving to everyone as his entry wrapped up the approximate 10 entries in the short parade. Iowa State Rep. Dan Kelley, as well as local first responders and businesses all had floats.

Courthouse lighting committee member Steve Knight led a sing-along of Christmas carols along the north side of the courthouse as the parade wound down.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com