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 requirements. More vendors were on hand this year as well, including Domino’s Pizza, Mississippi Queen BBQ, First United Methodist Church youth group, Teen Challenge, Zimmerman’s Kettle Corn, Jasper County 4-H Clubs and U.S. Bank. Re/Max of Newton provided chili for a goodwill donation to the Courthouse Lighting Fund. Following the parade, Santa’s Workshop provided children a chance to build a gingerbread house and visit with Santa Claus. Santa saw about 100 children and raised nearly $300 for the St. Nick’s Christmas Club, which has been providing food and gifts for needy families for more than 20 years. Adoption forms for the St. Nick’s program are still available at the Newton Daily News. The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau drawing for the snow blower was won by Roger Gilbreaith.

John Jennings can be contacted at 792-3121 ext. 425 or via e-mail at jjennings@newtondailynews.com.