The Christmas lighting display on the Jasper County Courthouse is still lit, but thoughts already are moving toward plans for the 2013 lighting ceremony and Lighted Christmas Parade.

“Events like the Lighted Christmas Parade are a perfect example of the business community in action, making Newton a great place to live and work,” Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Darrell Sarmento said. “We wish to thank all of the businesses who sponsored the parade as well as the volunteers who made this a special night for the community.”

Sarmento said more than 2,000 attended the event despite bitterly cold temperatures and a biting wind. He said he was very impressed with the hours of work that obviously went into a number of the parade entries this year.