A manger, some shepherds and three wise men will take shelter in a Grantsville stable this weekend.
The Clark Historic Farm will host a live nativity and luminary walk beginning tonight and running through Friday, Saturday and Monday nights.
Laurie Hurst, an organizer of the event, said although live nativities are common in other areas, this is a first for Grantsville.
“There are live nativities kind of up and down the Wasatch Front, but I started a live nativity at the Morgan Farm in Cache Valley several years ago, and always thought it would be a good idea at the Clark Farm, so we’re going to try it out,” she said.
Live actors will portray the people involved with the first Christmas as a looped narration plays, alongside live goats, sheep and a donkey, cow and camel. White paper bag luminaries, decorated by children at Grantsville Elementary School and Willow Elementary School, will provide light in the nativity area, as well as be used for a luminary walk that will display symbols of Christmas.
Hurst said the event is designed to bring to mind and give people an opportunity to reflect on the purpose of the holiday.
“They can sit and ponder the real meaning of Christmas,” she said.
The event is also a nod to the farm’s original owner, J. Reuben Clark, who was a member of the first presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his fervent belief in Jesus Christ.
“We’re trying to add a little of his testimony into the mix, since it was his farm,” Hurst said.
Free hot chocolate will also be served to help keep people warm, she added.
The live nativity and luminary walk will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight, Friday, Saturday and Monday at the Clark Historic Farm.
Admission is $2 per person or $1 with a donation of a can of food for the Tooele County Food Bank. Admission will also be $1 for youth groups who attend the event. Overflow parking, if needed, will be in the park and ride lot on Main Street adjacent to the Grantsville City Cemetery.