Two straight-backed and glittering Nutcrackers now stand guard before the Columbia County Courthouse. Ten feet tall, the Christmas icons were purchased with B&O funds through the Dayton Downtown Development Task Force, and will undoubtedly add sparkle and shine to the upcoming community celebrations.

Donors to the Dayton Development Task Force's Business and Occupation Tax Incentive Program include Puget Sound Energy, Banner Bank, Elk Drug, Inc., McGregor Company, Columbia REA, Pioneer Title, State Farm Insurance, PDQ, General Store and Dayton Mercantile.

-Chronicle photo

Volunteer Paul Hendrickson and County Maintenance Supervisor Dave Finney install the attachments to the nutcracker's base.