The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors approved a request to use the courthouse grounds for the annual holiday event "Christmas on Clark," allowing decorations starting the week of Nov. 24, an eight-foot tree in the gazebo and a consolidated lighting event on Dec. 13.

Event organizer Megan Dewhurst told the board the plan mirrors much of last year's setup: banners, garlands and lights on downtown light poles, icicle lights on the gazebo roof tied to city electric, garland around the gazebo base and a sign in front of the gazebo similar to last year's. Dewhurst said the trees wrapped around the gazebo trunks would be lit starting Dec. 1 but the official 8-foot tree inside the gazebo would be lit at the "Christmas on Clark" event on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m.; the event is expected to conclude by about 5:30 p.m.

Dewhurst also requested city electric support, the use of existing hooks used last year and snow-and-ice removal from the diagonal sidewalk to and in the gazebo from Nov. 24 through Jan. 6 for safety and photo opportunities. She said the Crinkle Tree Farm donated the eight-foot tree and that decorations would be natural or plastic materials.

Supervisor Derby moved to approve the request; Supervisor Smith seconded and the board voted to grant use of the courthouse grounds.

Dewhurst thanked the board, and staff confirmed routine details such as which city staff would handle snow removal. No fee or additional conditions were introduced during the board action at the meeting.