MoCo Courthouse Decks the Halls

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It’s a Christmas tradition – each year after Thanksgiving, all members of the Montgomery County Courthouse get to work to bring the holly and jolly spirit to the facility.

Probate Judge Rubie Nell Sanders, Magistrate Judge Ashley Thornton, Clerk of Court Tammy Foskey, and their clerks – Stacie Randolph, Gail McArthur, and Clarissa Howell – all work on both the interior of the Courthouse, as well as the lower level front exterior.

“It is always so much fun being able to ‘deck the halls’ and put up Christmas decorations,” Foskey explained. “It’s a lot of work, but thankfully, we divide it amongst ourselves, and the Mount Vernon Garden Club helps to ensure that the upper level of outside is beautiful. It sure is a magnificent sight when the Nativity is lit up and the courthouse bells are playing Christmas songs!”

The group also extended their gratitude to longtime local Sherry Braddy, who helped to make sure the bows on the outdoor wreaths were tied perfectly. “We couldn’t be more thankful for Sherry’s help – it definitely has made sure that all the key details are in place,” Thornton added. According to the women, the public is also very fond of these traditional decorations, as many come to enjoy their beauty. “We always have more visitors around the Christmas season, and almost all of them make it a point to acknowledge our decorations,” Sanders explained. “It is something that everyone values that makes our small town and county a little more special during the Christmas season.”

Decorating the courthouse takes around a week, as everyone balances both maintaining the duties of each office and working on the Christmas transformation; yet, all of the courthouse employees agree that the project is worth it.

The structure serves as the backdrop for several traditional Christmas celebrations, such as the Mount Vernon Christmas Parade and the Christmas at the Courthouse celebration, which was recently revitalized. During this celebration, a stage is set up at the front of the Courthouse’s steps, and local talents – including a dance studio, children’s choir, and several musicians – perform for the public, as they all celebrate the holiday season.

WORKING ON THE INTERIOR – Judge Ashley Thornton (left) and Clerk Gail McArthur work to decorate the stairway railing.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

SEVERAL WREATHS – Clerk Stacie Randolph fluffs one of the numerous wreaths which are decorated throughout the courthouse interior and exterior.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

TEAM EFFORT – Not only do the ladies of the Montgomery County Courthouse work together to decorate the interior and exterior front of the facility’s first floor, but the Mount Vernon Garden Club helps to make sure that the wreaths on the outside of the building are prepared to be hung. (Shown) Clarissa Howell (top) and Judge Rubie Nell Sanders (bottom) hang garland on the exterior of the courthouse.Photo by Makaylee Randolph