Nicholas County adopts new tradition with the tree lighting ceremony

By Chloe Smith

Ninety trees filled the courthouse lawn in Nicholas County dedicated in memory of lost loved ones.

Saturday, Dec. 7th, Nicholas Countians filled Main Street and gathered around the courthouse as 89 trees were illuminated in honor of lost loved ones. “This means so much,” Paula Wiese said as she stood at the base of the tree dedicated to her two grandsons. For those who have a tree on the lawn, it is an amazing way to memorialize a loved one.

A 90th tree was placed in memory of Jesus Christ’s birth, and was named ‘The Jesus Tree’. “We wouldn’t have done any of this if it hadn’t been for him,” co-chair of the Tourism Society, Gladys Shrout, said when talking about the specially placed tree.

Families gathered around many of the trees taking pictures together. “It was absolutely fantastic,” Shrout said when remembering the sight of people surrounding their loved one’s trees. Many of the trees were lovingly decorated with different ornaments that told something about the person their specific tree represents. From pictures to favorite colored bulbs, each of the ornaments seem to have been lovingly placed in their spot.

After all the visitors had been given a chance to look at each tree, Tony Smith took a moment in prayer, and then everyone became silent as Jim Galbraith read each name a tree had been placed in honor of and the person or people who had placed it.

“Jim Galbraith was wonderful,” Shrout said, “He spoke with such respect, and the city became silent as people waited for their loved one’s name.”

As soon as the ceremony was done, the trees were lit, and the courthouse lawn was instantly covered with bright light.

The trees will be left on the courthouse lawn until Jan. 2.

Sydni Gifford named 2019 Snow Queen

On Dec. 7th, shortly after the tree lighting ceremony was finished, the people flooding the streets heard the sound of the Nicholas County High School Band as the parade began its procession down Main Street. At the front of the parade was Cub Scout Pack 50 of Nicholas County. The Pack carried the American flag in proud display as they marched on foot.

The precession was followed by beautifully decorated floats designed by organizations, and many other different people and groups that are a part of Nicholas County.

The parade paused for a few minutes so that the Snow Princess and Snow Queen candidates could get down from the trucks that were driving them through the procession and take their places on the stage. The parade resumed its pace as soon as the candidates had taken their seats. The parade ended with a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Sydni Gifford was named Nicholas County’s new Snow Queen and Peyton Boone was declared the Snow Princess. Both girls were crowned by 2018’s Snow Queen, Morgan Waymire.

The winners of the float decorating contest were The Nicholas County Senior Citizen’s Center for third place, Michael Ishmael for second, and DJ Shell for first.