Rainy weather cancelled Westview Baptist Church’s “Walk To Bethlehem” last night, but the church hopes to be back on schedule Saturday and Sunday nights with the annual event.

With the help of Minister of Music Roger McLain, the church has performed a live nativity scene of some kind for more than 20 years, and has recently developed a new setting for its production in the acreage behind the church office on North Main Street in Opp.

“We will be guiding groups of people back through Biblical times to see what life was like during the time of Jesus’ birth though his crucifixion,” McClain said.

“A Walk to Bethlehem” will feature a cast of more than 150 portraying scenes of home life, what it was like to travel to Bethlehem, the nativity, and even a bustling marketplace where fresh bread will be baking and the age old art of basketweaving will be demonstrated.

“It is a lot of work, but we do it not to promote our church but to promote the Lord. Volunteers from the church come together to do everything from clearing land to building sets and making costumes,” McLain said. “The realism of the program is enhanced with camels, sheep, donkeys and goats which are always a hit with the children.”

The approximately one-half mile trail takes about 30 minutes to complete and golf carts will be available for those unable to make the walk. Strollers and wagons for younger travelers are welcome.

Tours will begin in front of the church office and end in the main church parking lot next door. There is no admission fee, and hot chocolate will be served.

“A Walk to Bethlehem” will be performed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.