The Clay County courthouse was filled with Christmas cheer this week as the annual holiday traditions got underway. Thursday morning the sounds of tiny little voices and giggles galore filled the hallways as preschoolers from Clay Elementary made their way into the building, anxious to display their handmade decorations on the Christmas trees that lined the hallway. Five classes of three and four years old hung each ornament on the tree with love as proud parents and teachers snapped pictures of this precious moment.
Friday morning the fifth grade classes from each elementary traveled to the courthouse square for the annual Christmas tree decorating contest. Handmade ornaments, paper garlands and candy canes adorned each of the four fresh pines when the students were finished decorating. The themes ranged from neon to nostalgic. But when the votes were tallied, Lizemores Elementary was named this year’s tree champion, earning their school the right to decorate the large tree in the middle of the courthouse square next year.
Courthouse employees eagerly served hot chocolate, complete with marshmallows, and chocolate chips cookies to the excited youngsters as Christmas music filled the air. Everyone enjoyed the festivities. Special thanks to all of those who work to continue this tradition each year.