CONN – A church community here offers a unique Christmas event designed to highlight the true spirt of the season.
Over 300 nativity scenes, from miniature to very large, will be on display at Knox Presbyterian Church from Dec. 10 to 12.
The Knox Conn annual nativity display features scenes made from a variety of mediums, including: glass, china, crystal, globes, resin, wood, puzzles, porcelain, brass, paper, materials, and more.
Penny Renken, one of the organizers, says the display began in 2015, as an event just for members of the Knox congregation, when one of the church members offered to share her collection of nativity scenes.
In 2017 they opened the display up to residents of the Conn area and since 2018 they’ve been inviting the general public to come and view the growing display.
Renken says the event is “A good start to Christmas by bringing a reminder of the reason for the season.”
Organizers endeavour to ensure each nativity is different.
“They’re pretty well all unique,” notes Renken, although she adds, “Some are similar.”
In recent years the event has also included an International Christmas component, with flags, Christmas traditions and history from numerous countries on display. Christmas treats from various countries were also offered.
However, Renken notes that due to COVID-19 precautions (the event was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic), the goodies wont’ be offered this year, but recipes from each country will be provided.
The rest, says Renken, “will be back when possible.”
This year’s event will include a display featuring 100 angels and 150 nativity Christmas cards from the collection of church member Janet de Groot.
A special children’s section has also been added. The section includes items like a nativity jigsaw puzzle and drawings and nativity scenes with “more child-like” figurines.
Take-home fridge magnets featuring a nativity scene will be available.
The event is free to attend, although voluntary donations, which go to the church’s charitable ventures, are accepted.
The nativity display is open from 6 to 8pm on Dec. 10, 9:30am to 4:30pm on Dec. 11 and 1 to 4pm on Dec. 12.
Attendees are required to provide proof of vaccination and wear masks “for the safety of everyone.”
