November 30, 2005

     

    Live Nativity Pageant to take place on Henry’s Fork Property
     

    REXBURG, Idaho –
    Writer: Amanda Pavlovsky
     

    Outdoor Activities at Brigham Young University-Idaho will host a Live Nativity Pageant at Henry’s Fork Property on Thursday, December 8 and Friday, December 9 at 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday, December 10 at 4:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m. The pageant is for BYU-Idaho employees and students only.

    “The Live Nativity Pageant is an excellent way to come and celebrate the birth of the Savior during the Christmas season. Enjoy a hay ride to the pageant site, then the live reenactment of the time of the Savior’s birth in a stable in Bethlehem. Shepherds and Wise men come to worship the Savior in a glorious celebration. The live nativity is filled with music from Handel’s Messiah, hymns and a narrative of the birth story,” Kristin Thompson, Outdoor Recreation Director at BYU-Idaho, said.

    Janey Halle, a student volunteer who has been assisting with the organization, said "At school it is so hard to focus on the real meaning of Christmas, or Christmas at all. With finals, it is so hard to focus on anything but tests. Holidays tend to come and go, especially if you live far away from home without any family close by. I am hoping that this small pageant will help students remember Christ and gain just a little different feeling of love."

    Approximately 30 student volunteers are dedicating their time to assist in the reenactment.

    Austin Hawks, a student volunteer who will play the part of a Shepherd, said, “The pageant will be amazing because it talks of the birth of our Savior. This pageant, being outdoors, will help people be in touch and feel the Spirit more.”

    Hawks feels his Christmas will be different this year because “rather than reading the Christmas story, you are the story.”

    He also hopes students will realize all the great activities Outdoor Adventure offers for students. “The other thing I hope people take away with them is seeing the amazing activities Outdoor Adventure has to offer. It is for everyone. This school has a good program and more students need to see that,” Hawks said.

    The entire event lasts one and half hours with the nativity taking 20 minutes. Fires and a warming tent will be available and benches will be provided for seating. Hot chocolate and donuts will be served.

    “This is the first time for the event and we hope to make it a tradition,” Thompson said.

    The cost is $2 for currently enrolled students, faculty and employees. There is a family rate for immediate family members only for $5. Children under the age of two are free and do not require a ticket. Tickets may be purchased at the BYU-Idaho ticket office.

    Participants are required to drive to Henry’s Fork Property which is about seven miles west on Highway 33. Once arriving at the BYU-Idaho Livestock Center, located on the north side of the road, turn onto the first driveway entrance, driving through a green gate. From the parking lot, participants will take a hay ride to the pageant site.

    For more information visit http://activities.byui.edu/outdoor/events/nativity.htm. 

     

     

     

    Style guide note for media: When reporting about Brigham Young University-Idaho, please use the complete name of the university in the first reference.

    Brigham Young University-Idaho, formerly Ricks College, is a four-year private university located in Rexburg, Idaho. The university, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers both baccalaureate and associate degrees; integrated degrees and internships that are tailored to fit students' interests; a year-round track system allowing more students to attend; and an extensive activities program that provides leadership and growth experiences. It is the largest private university in Idaho, with over 11,000 students enrolled for winter 2005.


     

    Media Relations
    Bryce J Rydalch
    Kimball 226, Rexburg, ID 83460
    (208) 496-2108 rydalchb@byui.edu