Committee reflects on Christmas celebrations
Now into the new year of 2021, the process of removing the spectacular Christmas decorations at the Hot Spring Courthouse has begun.
Volunteers removed the specialized giant 26- foot Christmas tree and ornaments that was displayed in front of the courthouse Friday.
For two consecutive years Stephanie Collie, member of the Christmas Courthouse Committee, decorated the Christmas tree.
Several other Christmas decorations that were placed in front of the courthouse also have been removed that included— a Santa Claus, Christmas presents, a snowman, reindeer, a customized size nutcracker figure and much more.
The Christmas display of decorations is in conjunction with the annual Christmas on the Courthouse Square event.
Although this year's event was canceled due to the COVID- 19 pandemic the enhancement of Christmas decorations around the courthouse helped with the impact to bring the holiday spirit in the community.
Glorie Thornton, Christmas Courthouse
Committee member, was thankful to everyone and especially the FFA departments in all five school districts in the county for their contributions of providing the wooden Christmas decorations displayed at the courthouse.
Thornton emphasized the decision to cancel the 2020 Christmas event at the courthouse was very hard because of the effect it had in the community in 2019.
Even though it is uncertain how long the COVID- 19 virus will remain a serious situation worldwide, Thornton plans to continue to have Christmas decorations displayed each year around the courthouse. She is still hopeful along with the Christmas committee members that the money raised from fundraisers and donations will keep this tradition of decorations progressing to create the Hallmark Christmas atmosphere in the community of Hot Spring County.
Along with decorations at the courthouse, several members of the community made the Christmas season a little brighter.
Christmas displays were also available at the Malvern Train Station, Malvern City Hall, on Sulphur Springs Road, Moline Street and Babcock Street.
During the holiday season, Malvern Middle School students created a map of these Christmas displays across the city.