The City of Bethlehem display is a beloved holiday tradition in Raton, New Mexico. The display has been captivating visitors for over 70 years, and started as a collaborative effort between the Raton Lions Club and the City of Raton.
Featuring twenty meticulously-crafted, plywood scenes depicting the Nativity Story, each scene is artistically rendered, complete with angels descending down the mountain, enhanced lighting, and a storybook-like caption near each scene.
Permanently housed in the city-owned Climax Canyon, the City of Bethlehem opens its gates annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving, coinciding with the lighting of the city Christmas tree. This magical experience is free to the public and remains open until January 1st.
Over the years, many have had the honor of turning on the lights at the City of Bethlehem. These have included governors, television personalities, and senators, but mostly it's been local citizens and members of the Lions Club.
The KRTN article “The City of Bethlehem: A Cherished Tradition” explains that Jim Mullings, a Lions Club member, says that people are nominated for this honor throughout the year. "It's just a good idea someone has," Mullings says, "sometimes to honor a person who has been very helpful to us." In 2015, Raton's Chief of Police, John Garcia, was chosen to turn on the lights.
The tradition began in 1947 when Glen Karlin, a young Lion, introduced the idea of a lighted Nativity scene to his fellow club members. Inspired by a similar display in Madrid, New Mexico, the Lions Club embarked on this ambitious project. In the following years, the display expanded, incorporating more scenes and attracting increasing numbers of visitors.
In 1982, the original scenes, which had deteriorated over time, were repainted by Jim Mullings and his daughter Gail. Their dedication ensured that the beauty of the City of Bethlehem would continue to inspire generations to come.
The City of Bethlehem is more than just a collection of scenes; it is a testament to the community's spirit and creativity. The Toyland cut outs, typically well-known cartoon characters, that line Apache Avenue heading to the display are unique contributions from individuals, school clubs, and businesses. While some characters have come and gone over the years, the tradition of adding new ones each year keeps the display fresh and exciting.
The City of Bethlehem is a cherished family tradition in Raton, offering families a place to celebrate and make memories with their loved ones during the holiday season. The Lions Club and the City of Raton work hard to keep this tradition alive for years to come.
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