NATIVITY … Hilltop High School students perform Christmas carols as visitors gather around the live nativity setup in downtown West Unity, complete with a camel and other live animals.
PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
WISE MEN … Volunteers portraying the three wise men stand beside the nativity scene during Saturday’s live Christmas display in Downtown West Unity.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Downtown West Unity drew a steady stream of visitors on Saturday, November 22, as families gathered for a live nativity that filled the downtown area with Christmas music, live animals, and familiar characters from the nativity story.
The event ran from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and was made possible through the Holly Jolly Christmas Shop, which arranged for a company to bring in the camel and other animals for the display.
Local churches helped supply volunteers to portray the figures in the nativity, and the Hilltop High School Cadet Chorale performed carols throughout the afternoon.
Their music carried down the street as families stopped to watch the scene, take photos, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Event organizer Jason King said the live nativity is a way to give back to a community that has been supportive for many years.
This is the second year for the event, and he explained that it is something they hope continues to grow as a tradition for West Unity. King noted that the Olive Branch Church was among the groups helping with roles like shepherds and wise men.
King also shared that more Christmas activities are planned each weekend through December. Santa Claus is expected to visit, followed by a live reindeer display.
A full schedule of upcoming events can be found on the Holly Jolly Christmas Shop Facebook page.
He added that choosing a live nativity was intentional, as it reflects the true meaning of Christmas. King said seeing children and adults set aside the busyness of life, even for a short time, and simply enjoy the moment with their families is what makes the effort worthwhile.