Christmas comes to the Crawford County Courthouse

 

Rain didn’t keep a large crowd from coming out to see the Lighting of the Crawford County Courthouse on Saturday evening (Dec. 3).

Visitors gathered on the historic courthouse’s main lawn to witness the official lighting ceremony and to enjoy the seventh annual Festival of Trees.

Crawford County Judge John Hall welcomed the crowd and expressed his appreciation to everyone for coming out despite the dreary weather. During his remarks, Judge Hall commented that the shooting, which took place in the courthouse on Sept. 13, had made him and the entire county staff even more grateful to be alive and taking part in the holiday festivities. He remarked it was truly a miracle that only one employee was injured during the incident and thanked God for his blessing of protection and for another year to celebrate Christmas.

At 6 p.m., the switch was flipped and the courthouse lit up for the first time of the 2011 holiday season. During the ceremony, the colors were presented by students from the Van Buren JROTC program, with Jennifer Brammer singing the National Anthem.

Beautifully decorated trees, sponsored by area businesses and organizations, lined the steps and walkway leading up to the courthouse. Jackie Krutsch, executive director of the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce, thanked the event sponsors and those who took part in the Festival of Trees. She noted that 23 groups participated, making it the most successful festival to date.

Morton Family Dentistry’s spirited red and white Razorback tree was named the winner of the Festival of Trees. Bank of the Ozarks won second and United Federal Credit Union was awarded third place.

On the courthouse lawn, volunteers from the chamber of commerce and from Mt. Olive Baptist Church handed out drinks and snacks to festivalgoers. Santa Claus set up shop in the historic Albert Pike Schoolhouse, located next to the courthouse. Children lined up to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and to have their picture made sitting on his lap.

Following the lighting ceremony, crowds roamed Main Street to enjoy Living Windows, sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association. Several businesses decorated their door fronts and set up live displays, which included nativity scenes and Christmas carolers.

At Lifesong Dance, students, dressed in festive costumes, performed in the studio’s windows. At Main Attraction, volunteers from GFWC-Women’s League served cookies and hot chocolate and handed out small gift bags to children. Several other businesses also opened their doors and treated visitors to Christmas goodies and warm cider.