Courthouse officials and criminal defendants alike stopped briefly over the noon hour Friday to enjoy an annual holiday tradition at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

A band and choir from St. Joseph Christian School performed in the lobby, as volunteers handed out cookies, cocoa and lemonade. Nearly forty kids took part.

Also in the courthouse, the newly-erected Christmas tree drew oohs and ahs. And the Buchanan County Women’s Democratic Club held their annual holiday fundraiser, offering ornaments and other holiday cheer for sale.