‘It’s a wonderful Newton’

By now we could all use a little light in our lives.

One day after Thanksgiving, folks can look forward to one of Newton’s most beloved traditions: the courthouse lighting. Every year, families who have come home for the holidays gather ‘round the historical Jasper County Courthouse and await its glorious illumination ceremony.

Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there.

Amanda Price, executive director of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, has altered one of the main festivities. Instead of having crowds gather for the parade, Price proposed a “reverse parade” format take its place this year to align with public health guidelines.

What is a reverse parade? Price explained that parade entries will have their cars and floats parked on the downtown square, which will allow spectators to drive through the displays from the comfort of their vehicles. Organizers encourage guests to tune into 95.9 KCOB FM to have holiday music set the mood.

“So, basically, all of the entries and displays are parked and they don’t go anywhere, and the people are the ones that move that come to see it,” Price said. “… They’re warmer, they’re with their own families. And so you’re pretty much any need for people to gather in a large crowd.”

Santa will also pay a visit to one of the displays and have a box for kiddos to drop off their letters — rather than awaiting guests inside the courthouse, which is closed during the event. The chamber hopes this year’s unique parade format will inspire creativity in displays that would not normally function in motion.

This year’s parade theme (based on an iconic Christmas movie) is “It’s a Wonderful Newton — Past, Present, and Future.” The Newton Chamber is sponsoring a free showing of the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Capitol II Theatre in Newton beginning 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28.

Limited tickets can be picked up at the chamber office or the movie theater.

The courthouse lighting begins 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, in downtown Newton. By then, families can drive through the chamber’s Reverse Lighted Holiday Parade until 8 p.m. Even though the parade and courthouse lighting will feel different this year, Price still believes the tradition will have a similar effect.

“They can look forward to still having that magical moment when the courthouse lights are lit and you’re out with your community,” she said. “You can still have that and still be cautious of the pandemic … I think people have gotten bummed out a lot this year because a lot of stuff couldn’t happen or got cancelled.”

Yet the courthouse lighting remains.

“I think it will still be a good moment for everybody in the community,” Price said.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com