Thank you to those who helped allow a tradition to continue

To the editor:

Christmas 2019 may be past but the spirit of Christmas lives all year in Wasilla. Last year at this time we were sadly looking at the loss of a Wasilla Christmas tradition—the van which had housed the Nativity scene in the Wasilla park for many years had blown its engine and those who had enabled its presence in the park were getting older. Perhaps it was time to retire the project. Then something very special happened. Word spread and folks said “What if…” and I’ll help” and the Wasilla Nativity Project was born.

As you may have noticed, a new and better Nativity scene graced Newcomb Park for the 2019 Christmas season. Now we’d like to express a profound thank you to those who made it possible: Rick Loyer for a generous discount on the trailer, Mike and Jane Koskovich for shop space and construction, Rick Williams (Weld Air) for fabricating the side window in the trailer, Chip Brown (Brown’s Electric) for all electrical materials, Tom Moseley (Basin Street Auto Glass) for furnishing and installing the plexiglass, Anthony McNabb and Phil Downing for electrical installation, Karen Lackey for refurbishing the figures, Kathy McCone for securing the permits, Allyn Wilson (Warning Lites of Alaska) for the thatched roof graphic, Michelle Maynor (Interior Graphics and Printing) for the interior backdrop, and Dave Poppert (Poppert’s Mill) for wood slabs. Projects not only take volunteers; they also take finances. Thanks to the following for their financial contributions: M. and J. Koskovich, Johnny Evans, Shon and Ann Parker, Anthony McNabb, Mike and Linda Shea, Sacred Heart Parish, King of Kings Lutheran Church, VFW Post #9365, Vicki and John Faeo, Evelyn Bunch, Ethan Williams, Kevin Crozier, Woodson Family Trust, Phil and Claire Horton, Alan Carpenter and several anonymous donors. With your help the Wasilla Nativity Project will keep the spirit of Christmas visible in Wasilla for years to come. May we be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas for 2020.

The Wasilla Nativity Project