Star Valley residents are again invited to a presentation of the Nativity story from the comfort of a horse-drawn sleigh on Sunday and Monday, December 21-22. Rides will run 5-8 p.m. from the Barn at Heiner Ranch, behind 2752 Thayne Bedford Road east of Thayne. Christmas festivities in Star Valley have included the Live Nativity at the Heiner Ranch each year since 2020.
The Heiner Ranch is located behind 2752 Thayne Bedford Rd. “You’ll take the lane just south of that address and you’ll see The Barn immediately,” said Olivia Heiner, who hosts the Nativity each year. “You’ll be greeted by a volunteer who will direct you to parking. Dress warm and bring a blanket!”
Guests are asked to enter the Barn through the south doors. As they await their ride, they can enjoy the comfort of the heated Barn along with hot chocolate and cookies. Five teams of horses pull guests along a fire-lit trail to the Nativity location that is about a half mile round and 30-minute trip from the Barn.
“Some guests like to carol on their ride,” said Olivia. “Others like to visit. Some just enjoy the peace. “The fire lit path and horse drawn sleigh take you back in time, maybe how it would have felt in Christ’s time. It’s a wonderful event to feel the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior.”
When the sleigh arrives at the Nativity scene, it will stop briefly for a narration of the Christmas story from Luke 2 by young David DeFigueiredo, who was four years old when the recording was created. Following the narration, the sleigh returns to the Barn.
Olivia and her husband, Tre, began hosting the Live Nativity in 2020 following the passing of their toddler son, Clyde. The community had immediately rallied around the young couple, offering emotional, spiritual and financial support during their time of grief.
This annual Nativity is a gift from the family to the community, “a way to say thank you. We will never be able to repay this community for their love, generosity, and kindness, but we try each December by hosting this free event, in honor of Clyde. The narration and the testimony of the young David is so touching. When we first started the Live Nativity, it felt to us as if Clyde were sharing the story with us.”
Over 40 volunteers staff the event, and many more provide cookies and chocolate. “We are so thankful for all of their help!!” Guests are invited to offer a cash donation at the Barn. Donations will go to support the Lilly Family of who recently experienced a family tragedy. “Our hearts go out to them at this time.”
“Whether you come once, or make it a tradition, you won’t regret your time at the Live Nativity,” said Olivia. “The crisp evening air, the sleigh ride, the fellowshipping, the cocoa and cookies, all add to what the event is truly about: Focusing on the birth of Christ. It’s an activity that your whole family will be able to enjoy and feel the true spirit of Christmas.
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