Liberty County is joining the City of Liberty and downtown businesses in helping create a festive winter wonderland as part of the city’s annual LIGHTS in Liberty celebration, which began Nov. 18 and continues through Christmas. The lights throughout downtown and around the Liberty County Courthouse will remain in place until after Christmas.
The county’s participation became official on Friday, Nov. 21, when commissioners approved an expenditure not to exceed $25,000 to purchase and install holiday lights in designated trees and locations around the courthouse square. While the lighting project has been strongly encouraged by Liberty County Clerk Lee Chambers, it would not have been possible without the support and votes of Pct. 2 Commissioner Greg Arthur, Pct. 4 Commissioner Gerald Kolarik and County Judge Jay Knight.
The commissioners and judge asked her to trim the cost as much as possible for this year’s purchase and indicated they would work toward budgeting for a more complete lighting installation next year.
Chambers has advocated for seeing the historic courthouse illuminated for Christmas and said it is long overdue for the county’s seat of government to reflect the same holiday spirit showcased throughout downtown Liberty.
“Most county courthouses in Texas are made more beautiful with holiday lights every year,” Chambers said. “I’ve taken photos of this courthouse with blue skies and snow, but we never have it lit up for the holidays. It is the center of our county seat. It should be a symbol of pride and enjoyment for all county residents and visitors. We should have a place we can be proud of.”
Chambers also encouraged community involvement, asking any businesses, organizations or individuals willing to donate toward the lighting project to contact her at coclerk@co.liberty.tx.us.
Debbie Duggar, chair of the LIGHTS in Liberty committee, said she is thrilled to have the county join the effort this year.
“The courthouse is at the heart of our community, and having it lit for Christmas adds so much warmth and beauty to the season,” Duggar said. “LIGHTS in Liberty is a true community effort. Our committee—made up of Betty Runkle, Jennifer Regen, Margaret Gardzina and Michael Dorsett—along with nearly 20 additional committee chairs, has been working tirelessly to bring great events, exciting entertainment and opportunities for families to gather and enjoy the holiday sparkle. We are excited to have Liberty County join us in making downtown shine even brighter.”
As the courthouse prepares to shine for the season, the LIGHTS in Liberty calendar continues with weekly themed events every Tuesday evening through Dec. 16. Each event begins at 5:30 p.m. and features activities, entertainment and opportunities for the public to enjoy local shops and community groups.
The Nov. 25 event, themed “HIGHLights,” will focus on shopping local merchants from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Live entertainment at the Vera Faye Daniel Pavilion will include performances by Star Twirling Academy, the Cornerstone Church of Liberty Praise Team and the North Main Baptist Church Worship Team. Retail merchants around the city square will remain open late, and additional vendor booths will be set up inside city hall and in the adjacent parking lot. Attendees can enjoy free refreshments and take part in candy cane cash giveaways. Refreshments will be sponsored by Tracy Williams State Farm and Liberty Pest Control.
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, one of Liberty’s most anticipated holiday traditions returns with the lighted Christmas parade at 6:15 p.m. through downtown Liberty. This will be the first year the newly lit courthouse plays a prominent part in the parade backdrop. After the parade, strolling carolers from the First Methodist Church of Liberty Choir will make their way through the square. A photo booth with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with Panther Claws, will be available, and children can enjoy face painting. Free refreshments will be sponsored by Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center.
The Dec. 9 event, themed “Share Your LIGHT,” will highlight local nonprofits and churches. Entertainment on the pavilion stage will include performances by Karla Burris, Apostle Delmar Lee Coward Jr. and students from Dayton Academy of Dance. A community awareness fair will take place throughout the evening. Inside city hall, the LISD Under the LIGHTS Support the Arts Exhibit and the Liberty High School Art Honor Society Auction will be open. Free refreshments will be sponsored by North Main Baptist Church of Liberty and Janis Holt, Texas House District 18 representative.
The final LIGHTS in Liberty event on Dec. 16, themed “LIGHT-Hearted Fun,” will spotlight Liberty Municipal Library. A craft show will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the popular Let It Snow attraction at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment at the pavilion will be provided by Great Beginnings Kindergarten and Preschool, Stormi’s Cheer Studio and Ballet Folklorico of Dayton. Liberty police and fire vehicles will be on display, and visitors can take lighted mule-drawn wagon tours through Liberty’s historic streets. Free refreshments will be sponsored by First Liberty Bank.
LIGHTS in Liberty celebrates community, tradition and the joy that comes from neighbors gathering together during the holiday season. For updates and more information, follow the city’s LIGHTS in Liberty page on Facebook or visit www.lightsinliberty.org