CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Drive by the courthouse in downtown Chillicothe and the holiday spirit will capture your attention. The annual Christmas tree is standing proud on the steps, awaiting visitors.
Each year representatives from Ross County seek out the perfect tree. Robert and Sharon Kellough of Chillicothe’s east side community proudly donated the 2023 tree. Loretta Kellough, daughter of the donors, shared this year’s tree story.
“I think there were about four trees (being considered) and this is the one they picked.” She explained that the tree had been planted by her dad, Robert Kellough, about 20 years ago in his backyard, with one one in their front yard.
“This one was just prettier,” Kellough said. That is how it was decided to become the downtown tree. It was uprooted from East Fairview Street and transported to Paint Street, then erected on the steps of the county courthouse. This is the first time this family, not tree farmers by the way, has donated a tree.
In addition to the family’s donation, the Overman and Sons company donated the crane used to get the tree into the perfect position.
Local legend has it that there was once a holiday tree on the courthouse sidewalk back in the 1980s that took an unexpected ride down Paint Street. When asked about her recollection of this Chillicothe lore, Loretta was quick to reply that indeed she was aware of the tale. In her words, that were similar to others who share the oral history, she said that a car backed up onto the sidewalk, hooked the tree up to the back of the car and drug it away, taking the tree with them. She chuckled that maybe there was someone under the influence, referring to holiday cheer, of course. Her story ended with assuming that the holiday trees are now placed on the porch of the courthouse, instead of the sidewalk for fear of a repeat offense.
On Friday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m. the tree will light the downtown with holiday cheer at the annual ceremony. The downtown will be filled with festive decorations and activities for all ages and interests. Included will be horse-drawn carriage rides, local shopping, caroling, trolley rides, and of course, visits from Santa Claus.
On Saturday, November 18, the annual Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade will weave through the streets with the theme of “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree.” The parade begins at 10 a.m. For additional information, on the schedule of events, visit www.visitchillicotheohio.com.
