This remarkable Christmas event was held earlier today, one that is planned to become an annual holiday event in Boundary County.
The Night of Nativities and Carols was just that, featuring nativity sets on display that were unique and beautiful, with many from around the world, and live musical performances of Christmas music throughout the evening.
The nativity scenes were beautifully displayed on tables surrounded with Christmas lights, greenery, and lovely, detailed, and very large Christmas-themed mural backdrops painted by local artist Kathy Taylor. Several of the nativity sets were from other countries, including Germany, Jordan, Israel, and others, including one from Uganda.
Live performers presented Christmas music, switching artists about every 15 to 30 minutes through the entire evening. These performances included vocal presentations, both solos and in groups, also piano, violin, and a flute performance. Christina Walker, daughter of Community Hospital registered nurse Ranelle Walker, traveled all the way down from Creston to play Christmas carols on her harp. The Bonners Ferry High School Honor Choir, conducted by David Carpenter, impressed everyone with the well-honed performances of various Christmas carols they presented.
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A side room down the hall featured short Christmas-themed videos of three to seven minute duration, and of course there were great refreshments. This was an open house sort of an event, with no formal program. Crowds of people wandered in and out throughout the evening, touring the nativity displays, stopping to listen to the ongoing Christmas musical performances, and trying the refreshments before heading back for home.
Organizers of the event wish to thank all the many people who donated their unique and prized nativity scenes for display, and the many musical performers who contributed their talents to make the evening so enjoyable. They are planning on securing even more nativities for next year.
