"A Night in Bethlehem," a participatory festival/pageant replicating the ancient village of Bethlehem on the night of the Nativity, will be presented Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 21-23, in the Utah Valley State College ballroom, with four presentations daily.
Utilizing full-size movie sets from the Brigham Young University Film Studios, the event will include camel rides, ancient folk dancing and music, storytelling and a petting zoo, along with authentic foods from the period."We want families to feel like they're in the middle of the events on that first Christmas Eve," said festival director Joan Landes, who said the project has been in the planning stage for nearly two years.
Local actors will portray Roman soldiers, shepherds, publicans, shopkeepers and other characters during a re-enactment of the Nativity and other events of the time.
Sessions are scheduled at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, with only the first three sessions on Thursday.
"We encourage families to dress the part, even if it's a bathrobe and a head covering with a bath towel," Landes said. Those who come dressed in costume will receive a complimentary piece of spice cake.
"A Night in Bethlehem," is a Family City USA activity, being produced by Family Festivals Inc.
Tickets are available at all Smith'sTix outlets and the UVSC ticket office. Some tickets also may be available at the door. For information on group rates, call 225-1771.