Hodgeville, a village within the Rural Municipality of Lawtonia No. 135, is situated approximately 34 kilometres south of the Trans-Canada Highway. The village with a population of about 172 has been known for hosting a substantial Nativity display over the last 10 years. This sizable showcase of decorations and figurines representing the story of Christ's birth can be viewed inside the Hodgeville Community Centre.
This year, the event with free admission will return for its 11th year at the centre located on the corner of Railway Avenue and Main Street in Hodgeville. The three-day happening will highlight a collection of 1000 Nativity scenes over-the-weekend of late November beginning on Friday, November 29 from 10-9 p.m. The following day, the Night Jesus was Born will run from 10-9 p.m. on Saturday, November 30 and will conclude on Sunday, December 1 from 10-6 p.m.
“You are invited to come walk through a collection of over 1000 Nativity scenes celebrating the true meaning of Christmas in a relaxed setting with the sounds and smells of Christmas,” said Andrea Kerr, one of the event’s organizers. There will be refreshments, activities for kids and door prizes in the centre as well.
Anne Barkman first came up with the idea of displaying Nativity scenes in Hodgeville after attending a related affair in Edmonton. Moreover, Barkman’s love for collecting Nativity scenes was augmented by the Nativity gifts she received from family and friends. Barkman wanted others to share the meaning of Christmas according to the Gospels by allowing others to view her Nativity collections, so she and Kerr developed this event beginning in 2009. For more information about this Christmas occasion, contact Andrea Kerr at 306-750-2954.
To reach Hodgeville from Assiniboia, head west on the SK-13 towards Second Street West. Turn left onto SK-43 West (signs for Gravelbourg) then turn right onto SK-19 – the total travel distance from Assiniboia to Gravelbourg on this route is 117.7 kilometres.
