More than 300 nativity scenes on display in Palmer

More than 300 nativity scenes will be on display, representing cultures from around the world, during an annual event held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palmer.

Local collectors anticipate the show every year, as they bring together their collections to form one of the most impressive nativity displays in the state. This year is no different, as more than 200 are expected.

The event is planned for Dec. 13 from noon to 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church, which is located at 560 W. Arctic Ave. in Palmer.

"Last year we had a good 300, and it's been growing every year," said Nancy Moss, one of the event organizers. "We're expecting at least that many this year."

The event has grown so much in recent years that a second day has been added. In the past, the nativity displays were set up for one day only.

While the nativity scenes are the central part of the event, there are plenty of other activities planned. During both days, music from local schools, the church and community choirs and bands will be the entertainment.

A live nativity is being presented during the afternoon on both days as well.

The nativities are arranged throughout the church in themed rooms. New this year is the "International Room," which will feature one of a kind nativities from around the world. A wide variety of materials have been used to create the nativities, which includes rare pieces.

Those interested in displaying their nativities should call Carol Kenley at 745-4587. People can bring their nativity scenes to the church on Dec. 12 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to set them up.

Ethnicities represented in past Nativity exhibits:

Angola, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bavaria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, People's Republic of China, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United States of America - including several Alaskan Eskimo and Native groups, as well as American Indian collections, Uruguay, Venezuela, Wales.

Materials used in past exhibits:

Abalone, alabaster, bamboo, banana bark, beads, brass, bread dough, bronze, camphor wood, canvas, ceramic, china, chocolate, clay, coconut shell, conga grass, copper, corn husk, crystal, driftwood, dung, ebony, embroidery, enamel, fabric, felt, fir, foil, fur, gingerbread, glass, gold, gourds, iron, ivory, lace, leather, linen, mahogany, marble, metal, mud, oak, oil paint, olive wood, ostrich egg, paper, paper mache, papyrus, pine, plastic, pewter, porcelain, resin, rice paper, rosewood, sandstone, seashells, seed pod, soapstone, stained glass, stone, tapestry, teak, terra cotta, tin, turquoise, velvet, volcanic ash, wax, wire, wool, wood, yak fur, yarn.