The Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce held the annual Jasper County Lighted Holiday Festival on Friday night. 

Christmas lights on the Jasper County Courthouse in downtown Newton were turned on for the first time at 6 pm, and was followed by the lighted Christmas parade. Children in attendance were able to visit with Santa in his workshop in the courthouse, and a variety of vendors were set up around the square. Executive Director of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce KayLea Marchant said that she was grateful for the community turnout in spite of the cold temperatures and snow.

“We had questions about, is it going? Are you going to keep going? What are we going to do? And typically they say, rain or shine. If it got too bad, then obviously we’d make sure everybody was nice and safe. But they came out and it’s one of everybody’s favorites, so they were here and we just love that they love it too.”

The KNIA/KRLS Lil’ Big Red Radio was also at the event providing updates and playing Christmas music.