County’s annual tree-lighting ceremony packs courthouse lawn in Nicholasville

The front lawn of the Jessamine County Courthouse was covered by a sea of ear muffs and warm hats Friday evening at the annual lighting of the county’s Christmas tree.

Judge/Executive David West and mayor Pete Sutherland were joined by members of their respective magistrates and commissioners, along with other elected officials, to give the holiday season an official welcome from Jessamine County.

The Rev. Terry Moore of the Nicholasville Assembly of God read the story of Christmas to everyone, and Jessamine County Public Library Director Ron Critchfield read from one of the popular children’s holiday books at the library.

Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce Director Ronda May introduced the three winners of the Chamber and Creative Art League’s Christmas card contest: Alexis Ramirez of East Jessamine High School, Cadence Barnett of Nicholasville Elementary School and Kendall Wilson of Wilmore Elementary.

The event was capped off by the arrival of the big man himself, Santa Claus, who brought along his wife to help keep track of each of the Christmas wish lists that he was given in the courthouse lobby.

Rest assured, he received many.