The Bakersville Creek Walk will be ablaze with the retelling of the Biblical account of stories leading to the birth of baby Jesus in a stable on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10. The journey begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. nightly.
Join other “sojourners” for the 2023 production of the Journey to the Manger. Last year 717 people signed the census and 100 actors performed.
The 10 scenes will include music and scriptures from the Bible as well as a performance enacting the story. Costumes from biblical times will be worn throughout.
Churches and families throughout Mitchell and Yancey counties will participate. The scenes include:
Decree to Participate in the Census (M-Y Methodist & Mine Creek Baptist), Gabriel Appears to Mary (Central Baptist), John the Baptist Birth (Mine Creek Baptist), Angel Appears to Joseph (Altapass Baptist), Mary Goes to Joseph (Bethlehem Baptist), Shepherds Plan to Visit Baby Jesus (Peterson’s Chapel Freewill Baptist), Star in the East and Maji (Little Rock Creek Baptist), No Room at the Inn (Beaver Creek Baptist), Bethlehem Market (presented by community members), The Birth of the Christ Child (Roan Mountain Baptist), and The Cross & Empty Tomb (Bear Creek Baptist).
A reflection area will be available. Gideons and area pastors will also be on hand to answer questions or assist anyone.
A Christmas Choir is also planned under the direction of Kathy Kuhne. Music for the scenes will be directed by James Laws.
Attendees should dress warmly and plan for the journey to take between 30 and 40 minutes. Church youth groups are selling snacks and hot beverages to support their programs. The event is free to the public.
Where does Journey to the Manger start? The event begins on the fire department end of the Creek Walk and will end after you go under the bridge on the Creek Walk. Shuttle vans will pick you up and return you to your vehicle. Please respect other guests and refrain from going back down the creek walk in the opposite direction. Thank you for taking shuttles back to your vehicle.
Parking: Parking will be available in the parking lot across from the Bakersville Fire Department or at Bowman Middle School. Shuttles will pick up attendees in the Bowman lot and will return them. Shuttles will rotate from Bowman to the Drop Off at the Fire Department.
Shuttles will pick up at the end of the event under the bridge at Morgan Oil.
Handicapped parking and rides: There will be limited handicapped parking at Lee’s Country Café and in the new Sheriff Department Lot. Look for the blue signs.
Please be considerate and only ask for a spot if you really need it.
The Journey is free to the public and is provided by area churches, individuals, and families. Donations are appreciate but not required. This is a free event. All donations will be utilized for the 2024 production.