The Oversized Algona, Iowa Nativity Scene is Ready for You to See

It's almost here, Jesus's birthday.  What did you get him this year?  I'll tell you what I got, but if it's the same thing you're gonna have to return yours, because I just don't have the time.  Between Golden Girls reruns and having to answer the door here and there, please, I'm booked.

So, if you also got Jesus a Vitamix Blender, send it back or take it back today!  Also, don't tell him what I got.  If he doesn't act surprised, I'll know you tipped him off!

The Scene of Nativity is Upon Us

Speaking of Jesus, I'm glad you brought him up.  You can see a very intricate nativity scene and it's in Algona, Iowa.  They've done an excellent job putting together an oversized nativity scene.

How Far Back Do Nativity Scenes Go?

I'm glad you asked. Wikipedia says the first nativity scene is generally credited to Saint Francis of Assisi, who created a "living" nativity scene in Greccio, Italy on Christmas Eve in 1223.  1223, sweet! So just a few years ago.

Francis used real people and animals to bring the story of Christ's birth to life. One witness reported that Francis included a carved doll that cried tears of joy when he embraced it.

Where is the Nativity Located?

The website says the Algona Nativity Scene is now under the care of the First United Methodist Church of Algona, and is located at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds, 2 blocks West of Highway 169 on Fair Street.

The Hours Are:

Sundays & Christmas Day                    12:00 to 8:00 pm

Monday  - Saturday                               2:00 to 8:00 pm

New Year's Eve                                     2:00 to 6:00 pm

A Little Lesser Known

A little lesser-known part of the story of Jesus' birth was the fan.  As you can imagine, once Jesus was born, there were kind of a lot of people and animals in the stable around the manger.  Kinda getting a little stuffy.

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My Latin is a little rusty, but I'm pretty sure the text reads something like, one of the wise men went to the manager of the stable and was like, "hey, it's gettin' kinda stuffy. Just had a pretty important guy born in the manger, how bout a fan or something to help, you know, get the air circulating?" (that's why they were called "wise")

He wisely continued, "maybe could use a ceiling fan in there. From a wise man, for you, for free... now, how about that fan!?"  The manager was trying to accommodate them, but the place was sold out that night, and the best he could do was a short extension cord and an oscillating fan.

Maybe my Latin isn't so bad after all. The picture below shows us the fan that got the air moving.

Merry Christmas!