The Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce is expecting a big crowd tonight for the annual Jasper County Courthouse Lighting Celebration. Executive Director of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce KayLea Marchant says this year marks the return of the lighted Christmas Parade.

“It is something that everybody loves and you didn’t realize how much until it was gone. But we are ready to bring it back.”

Marchant says the Christmas lights on the Jasper County Courthouse in downtown Newton will be turned on at 6 o’clock tonight. That will be immediately followed by a lighted Christmas parade. Children will also be able to visit with Santa, who will be in his workshop on the north side of the square. There will also be many vendors in downtown Newton to add to what Marchant calls a festival style atmosphere. 

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