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LEHI — Volunteers brought a slice of Bethlehem to life this week, complete with donkeys, sheep and a baby in a manger. The event aimed to celebrate Christmas but also to raise funds for humanitarian aid.
ROAM Humanitarian organized "A Babe is Born," a five-day, immersive Nativity scene in Lehi with more than 250 volunteers over the course of the week.
Organizer Alisa Clawson said, "Our goal is to build 10 homes in 2026 in our partner countries, and work with local organizations and their fundraising."
On Saturday, ROAM partnered with the United Angels Foundation, a group focused on supporting families of individuals with special needs.
United Angels board member Oakley Peterson said, "There's just something extra tender about celebrating Christ's birth and celebrating our children who have these unique differences."
Visitors walked through market stalls and craft tables, a bakery and even a pottery demonstration and could pet the animal attendees.
Potter Regan Berry volunteered; she made clay pots on a wheel throughout the event. Berry said, "It's been really fun and good to give back and see the excitement of people just walking through and celebrating the birth of Jesus."
Attendees ended with a walk through the inn, where volunteers acted out traditional nativity characters to tell the story of Christ's birth.
"I hope they feel like they've experienced something different than, you know, just being present for each other or checking all the boxes of the things that you have to do for Christmas and that they can feel the love and the spirit of Christ's birth," said Clawson.
Saturday concluded their run in Lehi, but the event will continue next week in Wasatch County at the County Event Complex in Heber City. Tickets are still available for next Thursday through Saturday night.
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Sarah Martin
