Courthouse Christmas lights to usher in holiday season

Strands of lights flow from the clock tower, “Merry Christmas” signs are displayed above the doors and plastic bells hang in archways all dimmed waiting for the decades-long tradition of flipping the switch on the Jasper County Courthouse Christmas light display.

Hundreds will gather around the Newton square on Friday night for the community’s official start to the holiday season, among them longtime Courthouse Lighting Committee member Steve Knight.

“It was part of my childhood in Newton of looking forward to the day after Thanksgiving and the lighting of the Courthouse and of course Santa’s arrival,” Knight said. “(This is one) tradition that folks grew up with and look forward to in Newton and Jasper County in kicking off the Christmas season.”

The memories will continue to be made for adults and children alike as festivities kick off at 5 p.m. Friday. Horse and carriage rides will be on the west side of the Courthouse, a DJ will play holiday favorites, live window models will be at Olive’et Boutique, a photo booth will be set up and the local 4-H groups will once again be displaying their “Festival of Trees.” At 6 p.m. the Courthouse will be lit and the Chamber’s Lighted Christmas Parade will follow. Santa Claus will be visiting with children inside the Courthouse after arriving during the parade.

Newton Chamber Director Amanda Price, who is organizing many of the activities, said she remembers fondly the start of the holiday season with the annual event.

“I do remember it as a teenager playing in the school band. We were required to play Christmas music during the event and I loved it. It was my first taste of being part of a community event that was a long-standing tradition,” Price said. “I remember feeling like it was something that really brought the community together and symbolized the start of the holidays. I also can remember being back from college with friends who were scattered all over the country, and we always would make a point of meeting at this event, and even now, when friends are home, we gather for a selfie with the courthouse lights in our background. That courthouse during the holidays is a beacon that calls you home.”

That beacon has been calling to generations of Jasper County residents. Stories have been shared of airplanes redirecting their flights to fly over the display in the ‘50s and ‘60s, families gathering for photos and meeting Santa Claus, and how the lights were saved in the ‘90s.

“It all started with my dad in the first year of the return of the traditional lights in 1992. I started with helping my dad and helped him decorate the pedestals around the Courthouse and nativity scene at Pappy’s Antiques,” said Knight of how he became involved in the annual tradition.  “My dad passed in 2005 and at his visitation, many folks asked me that night about the Courthouse Christmas lighting. It didn’t take me long to know that this was something that had to keep happening going forward.”

For more than a decade now, Knight has been the part of the Lighting Committee which gives presentations to area groups, organizes efforts and accepts donations to keep the holiday lights aglow each year. Knight said there are many people and businesses to thank in helping make the tradition happen each year.

“Many, many thanks to all who had the passion to bring the traditional lights back,” he said. “And to the Newton Daily News for their tireless work to promote this wonderful tradition of light the Courthouse year in and out. And to all the Jasper County citizens and businesses who have dedicated their time and talents and donations to decorate our Courthouse through the many years. Got to mention Adam Sparks who gets it done every year in coordinating the lighting through the contractors and the county supervisors and many more folks involved in the lighting process. Van Maanen Electric year in and out has provided putting up and (taking) down the lights. So thankful for their commitment.”

Knight said it costs $10,000 each year to repair, maintain and run the display, and all donations are tax-deductible and appreciated. Donations can be sent to Lighting Fund — Jasper County Auditor, P.O. Box 944, Newton 50208.

“A big, big thanks to all the folks who have donated so faithfully through the years to keep the lighting tradition alive and well for this year and years to come,” Knight said. “Thank you and Merry Christmas.”