LA CROSSE (WKBT) — English Lutheran Church\u00a0is hosting a unique experience that brings attendees into a recreation of the town of\u00a0Bethlehem\u00a0\u201cat the time\u00a0Christ was born.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Featuring live animals, over\u00a0300\u00a0cast\u00a0and crew members,\u00a0and a set straight of the Bible, \u2018The Bethlehem Event\u2019\u00a0provides an immersive experience into what the ancient city may have been like\u00a02,000 years ago.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Co-chair of the event Pamela Strittmater shared her favorite part of the event.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
“[J]ust\u00a0spreading joy,\u201d said Strittmater. \u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0a huge community project that we love to do to tell the story about the birth of Jesus.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The free event first ran in 1980 and has run\u00a0almost every\u00a0four years since. The church’s website describes the experience as “a 70×14′ mural.”<\/p>\n
“[It] includes city streets, a wash house and a peek outside the city walls, serves as the backdrop for the indoor recreation of Bethlehem,” states the website. “Goat herders – with live goats – goldsmiths, perfumers, cheesemakers, bakers, and other townspeople retell what happened. Planners rely on historical accuracy and detail to make the re-creation of the first Christmas a memorable experience.”\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n