by Denise Massie
TWELVE MILE — A long-lived tradition continues for the 39th year as volunteers dedicated time for the preparation of the Twelve Mile Christmas Pageant.
The pageant is scheduled to take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Committee member Kathy Buczkowski said those involved like to have everything completed over a two-day period, the week before the pageant is scheduled. This year was no different and approximately 30 people helped prepare for the event over the weekend.
“We usually do some of the little things during the week too,” she added.
Buczkowski said committee members met three months ago and began dividing up all the jobs involved with pageant preparation.
Many of the volunteers have participated for a number of years, so they already knew what needed to be done. Buczkowski said each year, new younger volunteers come out to help too.
“Hopefully, they will be able to continue this for years to come,” she said.
The living nativity begins in downtown Twelve Mile and continues through Plank Hill Park. Visitors have the option of walking or driving through the pageant.
As they arrive, visitors are greeted with non-religious Christmas scenes on the outside of the park. On entering the park, the story begins with the announcement of the birth of Jesus.
Changes this year include several scenes which were repainted by Kent Cress. Another scene, known as “Old Fashioned Christmas,” was brought back this year, according to Buczkowski. It was part of the original pageant.
“It’s been gone for a few years,” she said. “When the committee met, several of the ladies remembered the scene from when they were younger. We thought that we should bring it back.”
Miami-Cass REMC Operation Round Up also awarded a grant to the pageant to help purchase new high-efficiency light bulbs for the spot lights on each scene.
Buczkowski said the most rewarding part of the pageant is listening to the participants talk about how much they enjoyed helping out.
Close to 200 volunteers will be required to fill all the character slots, Buczkowski said. Each character works two half-hour shifts.
“Getting volunteers is usually the hardest part,” she said. “We’re always looking for new volunteers.”
For those who volunteer, Buczkowski is very grateful. Whether it is the days of the event or the weekend before, committee members depend on volunteers each year.
“I’m always amazed how the community comes together and pulls this off each year,” she said.
• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com
Want to go?
What: Twelve Mile Christmas Pageant
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Begins in downtown Twelve Mile and continues through Plank Hill Park
Cost: Free. Donations accepted with proceeds going to a local charity.
