In 1984 when East Peoria, IL formed a commission to organize an annual winter festival; a separate group also formed at the same time to display a nativity scene; so that the meaning of Christmas was presented to remind all what the celebration is really about. Thus, The Nativity Display Association came into existence.

The work of building, maintaining, erecting and dismantling the scenes each year is done by volunteers. The cost of materials, ground rent, electricity, etc. is covered by contributions raised by the Association. If after browsing the remainder of our site you wish to contribute please send your contribution to the address in 'How toContact Us'.

Most of the volunteers are members of the East Peoria Knights of Columbus but not all; they are the only fraternal or civic organization represented among the volunteers. If you are interested in knowing more about them click on www.epkofc.org.

The first Saturday of November is set up day each year. The panels which assemble to make the scenes are removed from the storage trailer and distributed to the location of each scene. After this is accomplished the workers separate into five crews, one for each scene, and begin the assembly. This work is complete by the middle of the afternoon and ready for the electricians to connect the lights. By the following Saturday the lights have been connected and adjusted. Also, a low watt radio transmitter has been set up and the display is ready for viewing. The transmitter broadcasts a message about the scenes and their meaning continuously until the end of December.