Crawford County Courthouse lights up for the Holidays
by December 5, 2010 1:31 pm 121 views
story and photos by Brittany Ransom
It’s officially Christmas in downtown Van Buren.
On Dec. 4, a large crowd gathered in front of Crawford County’s Courthouse to witness the lighting of the historical building and to celebrate the holiday season. As part of the festivities, Van Buren’s downtown merchants also presented Living Windows and the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce sponsored its annual Festival of Trees with entries by area businesses and organizations.
The evening kicked-off with a welcome from County Judge John Hall and Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Director Jackie Krutsch. Krutsch noted that the crowd was the “ceremony’s largest to date” and she was pleased so many had come out to celebrate.
With Hall’s order, the switch was flipped and the courthouse lit up downtown Van Buren. Hall announced that over the past year, the courthouse had undergone major renovation projects and that next year’s lighting ceremony would include tours of the building and its new historical displays.
Following the lighting ceremony, the colors were presented by the Van Buren High School JROTC Color Guard and the national anthem was sung by Kayla Poole. As part of the ceremony, Hall recognized four retiring elected Crawford County officials. He spoke to the crowd saying, “These individuals have done a great deal for our county and we owe them much thanks. Combined, they have given more than 85 years of service to the citizens of this county.”
Plaques were presented to County Sheriff Mike Allen; County Assessor Dianna Faucher; County Tax Collector Diana Gentry; and County Treasurer Sharon Taylor.
Choirs from Cedarville Middle School, Coleman Junior High and Van Buren High School also performed Christmas carols. Throughout the event, chamber volunteers served coffee, hot cocoa and cookies to help keep the crowd warm.
Santa also paid a visit to the Albert Pike School house located on the courthouse lawn. Children lined up to tell Santa their Christmas wish lists and to have their picture taken sitting on his lap.
Another part of the county’s holiday tradition is the Festival of Trees. Businesses and organizations from the area took part in the contest and decorated trees to line the walkway up to the courthouse. The event, sponsored by the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce, featured themed trees and ornate decorations. During the ceremony, Krutsch announced Simmons First National Bank as the 2010 winner. The Garden Gate Garden Club, whose tree was decorated by member Sherry Miller, was named runner-up. Progressive Business Systems was awarded third place.
The shops on Main Street also came alive as merchants hosted Living Windows for spectators to enjoy. Many, including Darb’s Antiques and Lifesong Dance entertained the crowd with music and dancing. Main Street Connection featured Carol Stubblefield crocheting a Christmas throw.
The ladies of GFWC Women’s League-Van Buren treated visitors to free cocoa and goody bags at Main Attraction. At the Train Depot, Mount Olive Baptist Church handed out free chili and hot cocoa for visitors. Volunteers painted visitors faces with Christmas trees, presents and other designs. A horse-drawn carriage drove up and down the street treating families to rides through the lights and displays.
