The work of many dedicated volunteers paid off during several area Christmas events on Saturday.

Organizers were pleased with the turnout of both the 19th annual Delphi Old Fashioned Christmas and the 38th annual Living Nativity in Twelve Mile.

“We’ve always been so pleased to invite the community to enjoy things we’ve completed,” said Dan McCain, president of the Wabash and Erie Canal Association. “We rejoice during Christmas because we get people together. It’s a blessing to get everyone together.”

While McCain said the turnout seemed slightly larger last year compared to this year, he said Sunday usually brings in a bigger crowd.

Bonnie Moss, Twelve Mile pageant organizer, said the turnout had been good on Saturday evening.

“We had a long line when we opened,” she said.

The line of cars remained steady throughout the evening, Moss added. However, she said the turnout seemed about the same as last year.

“You just never know,” she said. “Last year the weather wasn’t good. We are expecting more this year because of the weather.”

She expects more of the turnout during tonight’s activities.

Raymon and Karon Hoover, who volunteered at the entrance of the nativity, said people seemed to have enjoyed the nativity. The couple had seen several car loads of people drive through.

Lafayette residents Brent and Elizabeth Thomas volunteered for the second time as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Elizabeth said she has been volunteering in the pageant since she was six months old, as baby Jesus.

The couple said they enjoy dressing up for the annual event.

“It’s a nice way to stay involved in the community and see people we haven’t seen in awhile or meet new people,” said Elizabeth. “You get to spread the true meaning of Christmas.”

At the Delphi Old Fashioned Christmas, people were also able to mingle and meet new people from all areas of Indiana.

Lafayette resident Louanne O’Connor, a vendor selling homemade potpourri and oil, said she enjoys selling at local shows ever since her husband passed away.

“I just like doing local events,” she said. “I like mingling with other vendors. Most of us know each other.”

She also enjoys meeting new customers and seeing repeat customers from the past three years in Delphi.

Jo Ellen Horton, another Lafayette vendor and friend of O’Connor, sold her rustic wall pieces for the first time at the Delphi Christmas celebration.

She also enjoys meeting new people.

“I’m a people person,” she said. “I enjoy talking to people and hearing their stories.”

Boone County residents RyLeigh, Makenzie and JoHannah Smith, spent the day with their aunt Tricia at the Old Fashioned Christmas.

JoHannah said she enjoyed visiting the school house the most. RyLeigh preferred the black smith barn, while Makenzie said her favorite part was touring the Reed Case House.

Mother and daughter, Jenny Wilcox and Jane Clapp, visited from Lafayette. The two said they were looking forward to seeing all the crafts, Christmas items and one other aspect.

“It’s kind of historical,” Clapp said. “It’s more enjoyable because of the historical aspect.”

Barb Manns, from Bluffton, decided to bring her children Logan and Alisha to the activities.

Mann’s sister, Jane Jungels-Owens and her grandchildren, Kaiden and Ty West, joined the family for a day of learning and enjoyment.

“I just wanted them to learn the traditions they used to have long time ago,” said Manns.

Denise Massie can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.massie@pharostribune.com