Christmas Celebrations Fill Week with Music and Events
December is a month rich with festivities, especially around Christmas. This year, the University of Jamestown (UJ) and the historic Stutsman County Courthouse are hosting a variety of events for the community to enjoy.
Music and Community Spirit
This weekend promises to be lively with back-to-back holiday music events. On both Saturday and Sunday, the UJ’s annual Christmas Concert will take place in the DeNault Auditorium of the Reiland Fine Arts Center at 2 p.m. The concert features a mix of classical and contemporary pieces performed by UJ music students under the guidance of choir and band leaders.
On Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Stutsman County Courthouse will hold a Christmas Sing-Along. Local musicians will perform traditional holiday songs while encouraging audience participation. Families are encouraged to attend, as a special guest will be present to listen to children’s Christmas wishes. Refreshments will be provided, and the event is free and open to the public.
Upcoming Events at the Courthouse
Next Saturday, December 13, the courthouse will feature a Christmas tree display from 3 to 5 p.m. This event will also include refreshments. Jennine Albrecht and Sheila Harr will showcase their holiday decorations and share insights into their creative designs.
The courthouse, a historic landmark over 142 years old, has undergone significant updates recently. A new elevator was installed in 2022-2023, improving accessibility for those unable to navigate stairs. Area legislators successfully advocated for the funds necessary to make this improvement possible.
A Legacy of Preservation
The improvements coincide with the celebration of the new elevator and the Christmas Sing-Along. The late George Spangler, a local rancher and antique dealer, participated in this event and was able to see the renovated courtroom for the first time thanks to the elevator. Spangler, a long-time supporter of preservation efforts, left over $5 million in his will to enhance the courthouse’s facilities, including the installation of air conditioning.
His contributions, along with those from individuals like Mary Faith Young, highlight the community’s commitment to preserving this historic site.
Future Developments
This year, a new store will also open, offering unique courthouse-related items, perfect for holiday gifts. Discounts on merchandise will be available during the December events. According to Kyle Nelson, the site supervisor, HVAC crews will begin working in January to install an upgraded heating system and air conditioning. Plans are also in place to repair the clock tower, which should be accessible for tours by next summer, providing stunning views of Jamestown.
Join in the Festivities
Both events at the Stutsman County Courthouse are free and family-friendly. Located at 504 Third Ave. SE, Jamestown, ND, these gatherings not only celebrate the Christmas season but also bring the community together to appreciate the historical significance of their local courthouse. For any contributions to this column, please reach out to Sharon Cox, who was a professor at UJ for 28 years.
