April 26, 2024

82nd Annual Courthouse Lighting is Friday

By Michaella Cope

Citizens and community members from around the county are invited to attend the 82nd Annual Courthouse Lighting with activities beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday in downtown Newton. (File Photo)

The 2016 edition of the Jasper County Courthouse Lighting is right around the corner, and a full evening of fun is planned for those who attend.

From 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, the square will be filled with lights, music and other activities for the families and eager spectators to experience.

The theme of this year’s lighting is “Twas the Lights Before Christmas.” The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with the annual chili cook-off sponsored by the Young Professionals of Jasper County. Shortly after judging is complete, chili samples will be available to those in the crowd.

“We are really excited to be sponsoring the chili cook-off this year,” YPJC President Sveta Miller said. “Lighting of the courthouse is a tradition in this town, and we are proud to be part of that tradition. We are hoping for great weather and a great turn out of people.”

Also at 5 p.m., a DJ will start playing holiday favorites, and Plume Hill will begin giving horse and carriage rides around the Courthouse Square. Both events will conclude at 8 p.m.

A countdown will take place shortly before 6 p.m. in the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn culminating with the lights being turned on at the courthouse. The lighted parade, back after taking a brief hiatus last year, will begin shortly after the lighting.

“The Jasper County Courthouse and the county supervisors are in charge of flipping the switch to get the lights on that night. The chamber is in charge of the activities that surround the actual lighting,” Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Price said. “We help make a ‘festival’ out of the tradition.”

Following the parade, Santa Claus will be inside the courthouse to greet children, young and old, and find out their Christmas wishes. Additional children’s activities will be available throughout the evening along with food vendors and plenty of Christmas cheer.

Those in attendance are also encouraged to take in the 4-H Festival of Trees located in the courthouse. Trees from more than a dozen local 4-H clubs stand decorated in various themes to bring even more holiday spirit to the celebration.

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