Bean family shares meaning of Christmas with Live Nativity

     Five years later, and the Live Nativity at the Bean Farm in rural Scotch Grove attracts more and more people than ever.

     “People just really enjoy it,” said Julia Bean.

     Julia, along with her husband Doug, their family, church family, and a whole slew of volunteers come together every Christmas to provide the Live Nativity and Streets of Bethlehem event.

     “Volunteering is part of some families’ Christmas tradition,” Bean said. “And some come here every year with their family as part of the tradition.”

     The Live Nativity started five years ago after Bean’s mother passed away around the holiday season. Bean not only wanted a way to remember her mother, but to spend the holidays surrounded by people in faith.

     “It’s sustaining because it keeps us really grounded about what’s important,” she said of the annual event. “We practice our faith with a whole array of people from different backgrounds. It forces us to remember what’s important, especially around the holidays.”

     This is the third year for the Streets of Bethlehem addition. People dress in costumes and show off their wares inside the Chisel Point Barn before visitors head outside to the Live Nativity.

     “People really enjoy it,” said Bean.

     The volunteers take on the persona of a shopkeeper, blacksmith or baker and demonstrate the process to the public.

     “It makes the event more interactive,” said Bean. “People have conversations and dialogue with others while they’re waiting to enter the barn.”

     Using scripture to tell the story of Jesus’ birth and the miracle of Christmas, the nativity actors make their way into the barn by weaving in and out of the crowd, asking them why everyone has gathered. Joseph approaches people asking if they know of a place he and his pregnant wife could stay.

     “They get a sense of who Jesus was and of His coming to Earth to teach us and love us” shared Bean. “The message is simple: Love.”

     There will be more farm animals this year added to the mix, including a camel from the Manchester area.

     “After last year, we got some feedback that people wanted to see more animals,” recalled Bean.

     The animals are all people-friendly.

     “We have pens set up outside for the animals,” said Bean.

     The Live Nativity and Streets of Bethlehem involve about 70 people, which Bean said really brings about a sense of community to the Bean Farm.

     “People build relationships here,” Bean said. She said it’s a great experience to expose the teenagers too as well.

     A lot goes into casting the nativity and Streets of Bethlehem roles, as well as finding musicians and readers. Bean said they start planning just two and a half months in advance.

     “It’s the last two to three weeks that’s pretty tough,” she said. “It gets hard to work around the kids’ schedules.”

     This year, Jim Loes from Monticello will narrate the story. Jenn Helle from Dyersville will delight with her singing talent.

     With so much time and effort going into this event, there is a suggested donation this year of $10 for adults and $5 for children.

     “It’s not about making money, though,” said Bean. “It’s more about telling the story, worth a couple hours of entertainment.”

     The Beans do incur some financial costs with this event in renting large tents and outdoor heaters for the duration of the weekend.

     Bean said people come from all over Eastern Iowa to attend each year: Dubuque, Holy Cross, Dyersville, Davenport, Maquoketa and Cedar Rapids.

     “It’s so cool that it’s become a family tradition for some,” Bean said. “And we always see a lot of locals out here.”

     As people pull into the Bean Farm driveway, there will be people assisting with drop-off site handicapped visitors at the front door of the facility.

     Aside from the various merchants offering samples of their products, hot chocolate and apple cider and popcorn will be served as well.

     The Live Nativity is offered on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16. On Saturday, you have three chances to catch the performance: 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. On Sunday, plan to attend at either 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. Bean recommends that visitors show up at least an hour in advance to make their way around the Streets of Bethlehem before the nativity.

     You are encouraged to dress accordingly for the weather. Blankets are allowed in the barn.

     “We just want to share the sights and sounds of the Christmas season,” said Bean. “This story was real; it’s a part of our history, which is really cool.”

     The Bean Farm is located at 7731 148^th St. outside Scotch Grove. You can visit their website at www.thebeanfarm-iowa.com for more information and details.