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AB-The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, November 28, 2006 page usat oesE a BynStphne W yThieslhesniueeneie CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF jhe first Christmas took place 2,000 years ago, but once each year, Miltonians are mnvited to expenience it for themselves at the On the Way to, Bethlehem Christmas nativity pag- eant. Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Rd., is transformed annually into Bethlehem as it was when Jesus was humn. A star rests over the stable, shepherds watcb over their flock in the field, and numerous travelers seek lodging as tbey wind their way to be counted in the ceersus. This year's nativity pageant will take place this Fniday to December 4, from 630 to 9 p.m. Therc's no admission charge, but a free- wîll offering will be accepted. On the Way to Bthlchem is a unique experience, to say thc lcast. The pageant encompasses a cast of more than 185, and requires the carefully orches- trated talents of about 600 volunteers. Rcg Cressman, manager of Country Heritage Park, saîd bis personal favourite part of the expcnience is seemng Chnistmas through the eyes of a child. "The magie is the telling of the story to kids... the sparkle in tbe children's eyes as tbey engage witb tbe actors," Cressman said. But, he was quick to point out, ifs not just ebtîdren wbo marvel at the wonder of the Christmas story each year. "t appeals to ail ages," Cressman said. This is the fifth ycar of the pageant. An average of about 5,000 people visit it each year, witb organizers expecting even more this ime around. Busloads of visitors are coming from as far away as Tilsonburg and Leamington. As visitors arrive, they'll be greeted in the Gambrel Barn hy a mass choir pedfonning Christmas carols. They then join small guid- ed groups for the 30-minute journiey to Bethlehem, where they'll have the opportu- nity to, walk from scene to scene and interact with Roman soldiers, the Magi and even Mary and joseph. "Eacb one (scene) bas its own charisma and communicates a unique message," Cressman said, adding he has two favounite scenes - the manger and King Herod's court. After t.he journey, refreshments await. The pageant is sponsored by Milton Area Christian Churches Working Together. STORY 0F CHRISTMAS: Above, Rob Croezen (right) plays King Herod in On the Way ta Bethlehem last year. At Ieft, Mary (Joanna Hacking) shows the baby Jesus to, the three Magi (Dick Johnston, Jessie Barkley and Henry Lawson) during a 2004 dress rehearsal for the annual nativity pageant. Charlene Douglas, 12, is preparing for her fifth year as a stnging angel in the pro- duction. "The pageant always makes me feel like l'm right there in Bethlehem," Charlene said. Andrea Rowbottom, pageant director, said she'd neyer have anticipated five years ago that the pageant would grow into such a large production with 50 many visitors. "Most people who go say in October, 'l guess you're starting to work (on the pag- eant).' Yeah right! Its year round because its 50 big," Rowbottom said. Behind-the-scene volunteers cover every- thing from parking to set takedown. Many companies around town have sponsored the pageant i various ways, including donating tbe refreshments. With 40,000 cookies required, thats no small feat. Those wanting to make a whole evening of the event migbt want to come early and enjoy a four-course, home-cooked dinner at one of the participating churches. Tickets are selhing fast, but are still avail- able for the dinners Sunday and December 4 ntghts at St. Davids Presbyterian Church and Knox Presbyterian Church respectively The cost for the thnner is $12 for adults and $6 for kids. To book a seat, caîl (905) 864-7127 or e-mail ontbewaytobethle- bem@look.ca. Stephanie Thiessen can be reached at sthiessenf4iniltoncanadianchampion.com. Cogeco Cable Channel 14 Ti- sdav (Rovmbr28R - Moncavfpr)prbPm r 4?006 f-, wis&et& - ri nio " à - - 1RE~L'ii, 1CUSE l."30 . 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