Experience the very first Christmas: Walk Thru Bethlehem drama planned for Dec. 12 and 13
Published 12:05 am Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Karen Kistler
karen.kistler@salisburypost.com
Camp Wesley, a children’s camp in Rowan County, will once again be hosting the annual Walk Thru Bethlehem Christmas drama.
This will be the 14th year that the husband and wife team of Ronda and Brent Hart have been leading Walk Thru Bethlehem, and it ran for seven years prior to the Harts taking over the event, she said.
The two-day Christmas drama will be held on Dec. 12 from 6-9 p.m. and Dec. 13 from 2-9 p.m. at the camp, located at 3090 Deal Road, Mooresville.
Ronda serves as event director with Brent as technical director, Johanne Toulouse as production assistant and additional individuals serving as team leaders.
Ronda said this is a unique event in that it’s not put on by any church, “but rather by individuals from various denominations from all around the area. It is an honor to work with so many wonderful people who come together to make this event happen.”
Approximately 140 volunteers are needed to take care of the various jobs, working throughout the season to accomplish them, she said. Among those responsibilities are working on the outdoor set, decorating the venue, donating supplies, sewing costumes, fill the acting roles and other responsibilities.
“We find joy in working together and presenting this drama to the community,” she said.
Volunteer opportunities are available to assist with the drama. Those wishing to help and serve as a volunteer may visit their website and sign up at the two sites, one for cast and the other for behind the scenes.
“We feel passionate about telling the story of Jesus’ birth,” Ronda said, adding that “it’s important to us to keep telling the story of how God sent His Son to earth so that we can know Him. By believing in Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection, we can be made right with God and live with Him in heaven one day. The Walk Thru Bethlehem drama is about the true meaning of Christmas and the hope we find in Jesus.”
Walk Thru Bethlehem is free and held outside; therefore, attendees are encouraged to dress warmly.
Upon arrival, guests will register and then, Hart said, they can enjoy a free cup of hot cocoa or coffee as they wait for their group to be called to begin the walk.
“A guide will lead their group through the streets of Bethlehem where they will meet the various characters and merchants in the town,” she said. “As they go along, they will learn of the events that are taking place that day in Bethlehem and will find their way to the manger.”
Snacks and ornaments will be available for purchase, cash only. Donations are welcome, she said, which helps them to continue offering this event each year.
As for directions to the event, the website noted that the bridge is closed on Linwood Road at the Rowan and Iredell county line and therefore those traveling to Camp Wesley should detour via Coddle Creek Hwy./Hwy. 3 to Patterson Farm Road to Deal Road or by taking Hwy. 152 to Wilkinson Road/Patterson Farm Road to Deal Road.
In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted on their Facebook page.