March 19, 2024

Brisk night ushers in 81st Courthouse Lighting

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With kids in stocking caps and mittens and couples walking hand in hand down the sidewalk, the Jasper County community came out in full force Friday for the 81st annual Courthouse Lighting.

Having the honor of flipping the switch to turn on the lights this year was longtime community member Ardis Morgan.

“That makes my year,” Morgan said. “It is really an honor.”

Kicking off the evening was the chili cook-off sponsored by the Newton Chamber of Commerce along with several local groups handing out hot chocolate, popcorn and apple cider.

Also a popular attraction was the carriage rides provided by Plume Ridge, which made more than a few trips around the square. With greenery on the carriage and jingle bells adorning the horses, holiday spirit was in the air.

Although the turnout for the chili cook off was lower this year, those who did participate, including Bruce and Bev Curtis, were excited to be there.

“We just wanted to do something nice for the community,” Bev Curtis said. “We were raised here and were then gone for 25 years. We came back home and always looked forward to the lighting when we were growing up. It’s a wonderful thing.”

With a countdown from 10, the lights were turned on and the holiday season was officially underway. Santa soon made his way in a fire truck to the courthouse where he heard Christmas wishes from eager children who were enjoying the event-filled evening.

Dozens of decorated Christmas trees also filled the courthouse as a part of the Jasper County 4-H Festival of Trees. In its 10th year, trees had multiple themes including supporting local nonprofit organizations such as the Centre for Art & Artists. Trees supporting the Jasper County Rescue League and area food pantries will be on display at the courthouse until Dec. 28.

“We had a great turnout for the holiday festival and courthouse lighting. Many local businesses and community members worked together to bring the festival to Newton,” Festival Chair Vicki Wade said.

“It’s just that time of the year where we are really excited about flipping the switch,” organizer Steve Knight said.

Knight said one change that occurred last year was a change from standard lights to a LED version. The cost savings were felt immediately with yearly charges dropping from about $500 down to $50.

“The neat thing about our courthouse now is we switched to LED last year and went from 448 amps down to 45 amps,” Knight said.

Although it was a brisk evening that only saw the temperature drop as the night went on, Knight was happy with the turnout and the enthusiasm from those who came to see the decades old tradition.

“It’s just a tradition through the years, I’m glad that we are keeping it going and hope to continue into the future,” Knight said. “It’s part of Newton Christmas and my heart.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com