Christmas Tradition 3: Alpine Village

This year was the third year we attended the Alpine Village at Trinity Baptist Church.  I know this tradition won't last forever as I saw a friend make a comment on Facebook that her seven year old had told her he was too old to attend. But for now, I will revel in it.

Here are some facts about Alpine Village taken from their flyer they sent home:
 My thoughts will be interspersed in italics

 The first Alpine Village was held in December of 1997

 All ten shops, the Village Chapel and Clock Tower were built by faithful and dedicated members of Trinity
Children walk through the Village Chapel and can choose an ornament to hang on the tree.  There is also a place where they can write down a prayer request to have someone pray for later on.  

 Over the years, the Village buildings have been stored at members' homes and in various off-site warehouses. Currently it is stored in its own trailer at the church.
The gym is set up like a village with wooden buildings with different activities in each building.  There are also three wisemen milling about in full costume one holding gold, one frankincense and one myrrh.  They allow the children to see their gifts for the King.  And smell them.  This is so important for children and Lorelei and I have talked about it several times since Saturday.    

 Live trees and mulch were used from 1997-2008. Due to fire code restrictions, artificial trees and "snow" are now used.
 Ok, this fake snow...plastic.  The kids LOVE it!  It is falling from the "sky" but is also all over the ground and they love to throw it in the air and at each other, etc. 

Blurry because she was so excited!  Moving fast! 

Village costs are covered by the tithes and offerings of Trinity members and most of the books and candy are donated by members throughout the year.

Some of the early shops included a Music Box Shop, Puppet Shop, Snowflake Shop, Clock Shop, Clown Shop (with face painting), Stocking Shop and Snow Globe Shop.

Shops more recently used include: Candy, Reindeer Food, Gingerbread, Card, Candy Cane, Snowman, Ornament, Book, Candle, Angel, and Toy.

Making a top in the Toy Shop. 

Making a candy cane in the Candy Cane Shop. 

Making a Christmas tree ornament in the Ornament Shop. 

Lorelei choosing her candy in the Candy Shop.

Decorating her cookie in the Gingerbread Shop

A variety of music has been used over the years in the village including choral groups, instrumental ensembles, harps, handbells, and of course the famous Alpine horns.

 Approximately 120 people work in the Village during each session. It takes one week and 100+ volunteers to setup the Village and get it ready for guests. Follow the Sunday session the village is disassembled and packed away in time for recreation activities on Monday evening.

 Tickets were first used in 2001 for crowd control purposes. On average, 400 children attend each session of the 6 sessions of Alpine Village with over 5,000 people visiting each year.
While Alpine Village is free, it is important to sign up for the tickets as soon as you see/hear it is open.  It fills up extremely fast due to it being such a fun event for little ones!  

The Village is Trinity's gift to the community-it is their way of sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

Truly, Alpine Village is a gift and the love of Jesus was shown.  Can't wait until next year!  

Getting a Christmas tattoo

Making a Jingle Bell Bracelet

They have a model train set up in the middle that the kids love to watch go round!

They have a puppet show that Lorelei loved this year!  She even said it was her favorite part!!!

They have rocking horses the kids can ride on.

Self-portrait in the parking lot as we were leaving.