While the Christmas spirit is alive and well throughout the area, the sight of live camels grazing amidst shepherds and kings in the heart of Boardman was met with amazement by passersby.
Disciples Christian Church in Boardman hosted its second annual live nativity as part of a walk-through interactive journey to Bethlehem on Saturday, Dec. 3, with this year’s event including live animals.
Visitors entered the rear of the church, where they were given a gold coin with which they could pay a tax to enter the town of Bethlehem. Their journey took them to meet King Herod, witness live angels, visit with shepherds and the three kings, and, following a little interaction with the live animals courtesy of Dwayne Felger, come upon Mary, Joseph, and the newborn baby Jesus.
Article Photos
Wrapped in swaddling clothes, the baby Jesus was proudly lifted from his manger and displayed by parents Mary and Joseph, brought to life by Kimberly Rose, and Pastor Tim Brown.
Having moved to Boardman from Georgia a year ago, Lindy Wilcox visited the live nativity with her daughter Jalin Wilcox, who enjoyed this year’s addition of live animals.
Causing quite a stir to U.S. 224 travelers, Herbie the camel grazed peacefully on the grounds of Disciples Christian Church in Boardman alongside his owner, Dwayne Felger, and two shepherds just prior to the parish’s second annual live nativity.
Portraying Ruth, Suzanne Mayerchak, organist and choir director at Disciples Christian Church, provided each visitor with a gold coin with which they could pay the tax to enter the town of Bethlehem.
Led by their guide, Ruth, the first of many groups of visitors to take part in the event were met along the way by the three kings, portrayed by Mark Sorber, Evan John, and Bob Kimmel.
