Nativities return for Colony Christmas

PALMER — The public is invited to view more than 1,000 privately owned nativity scenes on display during Colony Christmas at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 560 West Arctic Ave, Palmer, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 10, and from 2 to 7 p.m., Dec. 11.

Every half hour there will be musical performances by community groups, local schools and churches. The event is free.

For the past 11 years, community members have brought personal nativities to be displayed in rooms that are transformed into a variety of themes. One room features a private collection and this year Teeland Middle School Principal Katie Ellsworth of Wasilla will display dozens of her nativities, including nativities from her travels to France and Mexico. One of her favorites she quilted herself and includes 10 wall hangings.

“My first nativity was all made of wood so that my kids could play with it as they learned the story of the birth of Christ,” she said. “I seriously began to collect them about 15 years ago because I wanted my children to see more reminders of the true meaning of Christmas. I try to buy at least one nativity a year.”

Hundreds of other nativities will be set up in themed rooms.

The public is invited to bring nativities to be displayed for the weekend. Check-in is from 5 to 8 p.m., Dec. 8 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palmer.

For more information, contact Janet Dinwiddie at 746-6697.