The Walk Thru Bethlehem event at the Lakehills Civic Center drew crowds Friday and Saturday nights, with nearly 750 visitors attending the free, outdoor experience, organizers said.
The event featured a walk-through recreation of Bethlehem under the stars, complete with live animals, costumed actors, music and interactive scenes portraying daily life during the time of Christ. Eleven churches and several local organizations participated by staffing individual locations throughout the village.
Bandera Methodist Church operated the Money Changer and Jail scenes. Church on the Hill staffed the Pottery Booth, while Cohn Insurance Agency sponsored the Wool Spinner. Gateway Fellowship Church of Bandera portrayed the Wise Men Camp.
Lakehills Baptist Church managed the Town Entry Way, and Lakehills United Methodist Church operated the Leather Shop. New Day Church staffed the Basket Shop, while Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church operated the Metal Shop. SA4Health portrayed the Innkeeper, and St. Victor Chapel staffed the Spice Market.
Walker Community Church portrayed the Tax Collector, Western Heritage Cowboy Church operated the Food Market, and White Rock Christian Fellowship staffed the Vineyard and Wine Press.
Hill Country Samaritans coordinated the event and staffed numerous scenes, including the Welcome to Bethlehem area; two traveling family camps, one outside the village and one inside; the bakery; linen seller; herb seller; stone cutter; synagogue; fruit seller; shepherds’ area; angel choir; and the stable and manger scene. Volunteers also portrayed beggars, shoppers and Roman soldiers throughout the village.
Free hot cocoa and cookies were provided to attendees, with cookies donated by community members and local churches. The Bethlehem Deli, operated by Hill Country Samaritans, offered Med-iterranean style food for purchase.
Organizers said the cool evening weather provided a fitting backdrop for the event, which drew families, teens and children who moved through the village and visited each scene.
For more information about Walk Thru Bethlehem, contact Kelly Beedle at [email protected].
Hot chocolate, water and cookies were available at the Living Bethlehem at the Lakehills Civic Center.
A local camel added to the ambiance of the event.
Newcomers (left to right) Sean, Yuki, and Jennifer welcomed visitors to Bethlehem.
The women at the well greeted visitors to Bethlehem.
Shepherds cooked over an open fire.
Harpist Laura Pradia provided heavenly carols by the manger.
A local donkey stood for pictures with the guests.
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