Manitouwadge Residents Journey Back in Time 2000 years
All those performing at the Night in Bethelhem were not only in costume but also very much in character resulting in a unique, educational and very fun experience for attendees. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
At his station visitors learn to write their name in Hebrew and practice doing so with tools similar to an ink and quill. Their passport is also stamped for review later by the taxman. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Saturday, December 1st Manitouwadge residents came out in large numbers to experience “A night in Bethlehem” an interactive experience offered annually by members of Bethany Pentecostal Assembly as a gift to their community.
Prior to the doors opening to the public, a special private tour was held to accomodate long-term and urgent care residents of Manitouwadge General Hospital ensuring that literally everyone in the community had the opportunity to enjoy this very special event.
Attendees were treated to an expanded version, as compared to previous years, as once again the event became even bigger and better than before. As people arrived, they were welcomed by organizers in costume and very much in character, who provided the would-be time-travel tourists with a census form to be stamped at stops along the way as well as funds to be remitted to the ‘tax man’ along with a warning that they not be persuaded by beggars or theives, to give-up the coins.
There were craft and food stations offering activities and treats which gave participants an idea of what Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem would have been like. Authentic bread, candied nuts, a literacy station where a local resident, born in Israel, offered assistance in translating names to Hebrew was very popular. There were crafting stations inspired by trades from Christ’s time including carpentry, leatherwork, metalwork and others.
As people made their way through the “village shops” sheep and cattle could be heard. There were intimidating soldiers and friendly “vendours” (those working at the stations, the entire evening was actually free). After visiting the stable where a local business ower and his wife were costumed as Mary and Joseph watching over the newly born Jesus in his makeshift craddle stuffed with hay.
Another new element of this year’s event was the appearance of an angel as people left, one last opportunity to hear the details of Christ’s birth as explained in the bible. Many who attended took advantage of the very fun opportunity to dress up in period costumes for a photo inside of an elaborate “Night in Bethlehem” backdrop either before or after having enjoyed the partially guided tour, those who did can expect to receive their photo in the mail, yet another free gift from the Pentecostal church to their neighbours, friends and family.
Having finished touring, photography, crafts and explorations, attendees were presented with a long table filled with a myriad of delicious desserts to choose from along with refreshments. Again, it seemed no effort had been spared as these included cookie and square options to suit any taste, people snacked at their own pace many taking the opportunity to socialize with organizers or others who had attended.
Families were given one final gift prior to calling it a night, a large bag included a number of gifts all following the theme of preparing for Christmas (including a really cool nativity eraser-puzzle set for kids among other things).
PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to share your photos or videos from “A Night in Bethlehem” or any other local event, send them to Editor@OntarioNewsNorth.com
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- At his station visitors learn to write their name in Hebrew and practice doing so with tools similar to an ink and quill. Their passport is also stamped for review later by the taxman. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
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- All those performing at the Night in Bethelhem were not only in costume but also very much in character resulting in a unique, educational and very fun experience for attendees. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
