BEATRICE, Neb. - Residents in southeast Nebraska gathered at the Gage County courthouse to continue an annual holiday tradition. 

The Gage County courthouse was lit for the 37th time for the holiday season on Sunday night.

The first year of lights only featured the very top part of the courthouse outlined with lights. Since that time more lights were added on the building and to the trees on the courthouse lawn.

The courthouse lighting was a vision of Beatrice resident J.T. Thornburg who passed way in October of 2023.

The night included performances by the Homestead Harmonizers, visits from Santa Claus and The Grinch, and former KWBE News Director Doug Kennedy was Santa's helper who served as the honorary lighter of the court house.