Perfect weather makes for perfect parade

Hundreds of Jasper County residents turned out on a balmy Friday evening for the annual Courthouse Lighting Ceremony and Lighted Christmas Parade. A total of 22 entries provided a festive holiday spirit around the square, sponsored by the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce. Annette West, Chamber director, said there was no judging of the entries this year, but the evening was highlighted by a number of new features. The Lighting Store’s C.J. Fox provided the sound system for music, including Steve Knight singing Christmas songs, as well as a showing of “It’s A Wonderful Life” on Pappy’s Antiques. Van Maanen Electric of Sully installed the courthouse lights this year and provided the electrical pedestals for The Lighting Store’s energy