The Harman Presbyterian Church, along with the community and surrounding churches, will bring the nativity story to life Dec. 20 when Harman becomes Bethlehem for a day.
This will be the first-ever live nativity in Harman as the town becomes the backdrop for the nativity.
Mary and Joseph will start through town at 6 p.m. looking for a place to stay. They will reach the Harman Presbyterian Church, which is where the stable scene is, around 6:30 p.m. The street in front of the church will be closed to traffic so the crowd can view the events from the street. After the shepherds, star, wise men and drummer boy make it to the stable to meet Baby Jesus, everyone is invited to go inside for refreshments provided by the many cooks within the community.
Santa will let children sit on his lap and he will hand out candy canes to each child. Pictures may be taken with Santa.
Musical entertainment will be provided by local talents performing Christmas music. They include Angie Senic, Dave Senic, Steve and Susie Wymer, Diana Armentrout, The Coopers, Evan Hedrick, Mary Ellen Dice, Mary Lou Vance, Belinda White, Mike Phillips, Dylan Flanagan, Mary May Henderson, Charlie Sponaugle and Dan Gates. Sharon Harman will serve as the narrator and the scenes will be played out by children and miniature animals.
"This will definitely be a one-of-a-kind event, and we couldn't have pulled everything together without so much community support," said Marsha Louk, director of the nativity. "Denominations have been set aside to join 11 churches together, so far, to share this special time of year. Every single business in Harman is helping in some way or another."
According to Louk, there are more than 30 children participating in the event.
Businesses providing assistance include Roy's Home Sales, Grant County Bank, Harman Laundry Mat, Allegheny Restaurant and Panther Car Wash & Boars Nest Bunkhouse.
Businesses that want Mary and Joseph to visit should pick up yard signs from Coopers Store and Midway Exxon.
Mary and Joseph will be going around the block starting at Coopers Store, passing the VFW, and coming up the street in front of the The Harman Laundry Mat.
"Even the clubs and associations of Harman are chipping in. The Harman VFW Post 5781 and the Ladies Auxiliary, the Harman Senior Center, the Harman CEOS, the Harman Department of Highways and the Harman Volunteer Fire Department - all of these wonderful people are gathering together to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ," Louk said. "The unity and love of this community is the true meaning of Christmas."
Anyone who would like to help should visit www.harmanpresbyterianchurch.com.
Laurel Fork Farm and The Panther Car Wash & Boar's Nest Bunkhouse are providing a professional photographer, Tina Bonner, who will be on hand to take pictures of anyone who would like to pose with the live nativity scene.
The Harman Senior Center will have a craft show featuring several local artisans. The show starts at 2 p.m. At 6 p.m., the craft show will close while the live nativity is taking place. When the nativity is complete, the craft show will reopen until 8 p.m. The fee for a table is $10. Anyone who would like to join the craft show should call Louk at 866-4992.
Barnyard Babies Petting Zoo in Canaan Valley (www.mountaintrailrides.com) and Laurel Fork Farm (www.laurelforkfarm.com) are providing a variety of animals, including Roscoe, the miniature donkey that will escort Mary and Joseph through town.
Mickey Sponaugle provided the rough cut lumber to build the animal pens and Kendall Waybright designed and built the stable and manger scene.
The Department of Highways in Harman is loaning signs to close the street and have been very helpful in planning traffic control, Louk said.
The Harman Volunteer Fire Department is providing lighted cones and brightly colored vests and is assisting with traffic control.
"Thanks for your patience and for allowing this special event to take place in the wonderful town you call home. I have always had a special place in my heart for Harman but this year the people have proven how special it really is," Louk said.
