The annual Christmas on the Campground event began long before the gates opened for visitors at 5:00 p.m. on December 14. Preparations were underway months in advance, with lights being hung throughout the campground, the pageant set being assembled, rehearsals held for music and speaking parts, and many thousands of bags of cookies being prepared. It’s a church-wide effort for the Portland church family, and the end result was beautiful.

As soon as the gates opened, visitors streamed in, many getting a head start on the line for the train or the petting zoo. Children and adults enjoyed seeing and petting a pony, a Nigerian dwarf goat, an alpaca, Icelandic and Babydoll sheep, chicks, Rex rabbits, and guinea pigs.

The trains were a major attraction, and they shuttled groups through the decorated cabins behind the tabernacle. Along the way there were giant inflated carolers, candles, nutcrackers, and other displays, along with laser lights and more decorations. The seven-minute train ride was so popular that throughout each evening there were long lines of those waiting to get aboard!

Throughout both evenings, the Fellowship Lodge was filled with activity. Upon entering, each person was given a bag with delicious shortbread cookies and a cup of hot cocoa. Then visitors gathered around tables, eating their treats and talking with friends and family. Musicians also presented Christmas carols each night. Those who stayed in the Lodge heard selections performed by vocalists and all manner of instrumentalists. Since that area was decorated with several beautiful trees next to the fireplace, many groups took photos there.

The lights and activities were exciting, but the Nativity pageant was where visitors heard about the true meaning of Christmas. The play, which was presented two times each night, related the Christmas story through song, acting, and narration. Most of the actors were Sunday school students from the Primary and Junior Departments, plus a few older students and staff members to help keep the production on course. The audience enjoyed the enthusiastic singing and acting. Highlights were the angels suddenly appearing as a curtain dropped to reveal them standing above the stage, and then the star moving along wires to settle above Mary, Joseph, and toddler Jesus in the Bethlehem scene. The concluding comments told of how Jesus, the Messiah, was born on Christmas, and later died and rose again in order to save lost souls. The narrator led a prayer at the end of each performance, and the hope was that some found their way to salvation right then and there!  

In total, over eight thousand people attended the event this year. It was a privilege to open the campground to such a volume of visitors. Everyone in attendance, including the many volunteers, left having experienced the joy of Christmas!