For 40 years, the Rangeley Friends of the Arts have been sponsoring the annual Walk to Bethlehem celebration, this year to be held on Sunday, Dec. 13. This unique event, which recreates Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, complete with community members costumed as nativity figures, will begin at 5:30 p.m. outside the RFA Lakeside Theater in downtown Rangeley, with the reading of Caesar Augustus’ decree that all people must return to the city of their birth.

Walkers will be asked to wait in their vehicles until the walk begins. Participants will all wear masks and walk with their pod, maintaining social distance from others. Pageant participants and walkers will walk through the streets of Rangeley, singing (if they choose) and stopping at the Catholic Church and the Baptist Church to ask if there is “any room at the Inn?” Stops also will be made at the Giving Tree, and the walk ends at the Episcopal Church. Instead of distributing printed Carol Books, all of the song lyrics will be available online at rangeleyarts.org/caroling-lyrics. Participants can print it out in advance or use their phone/device during the walk.

When pageant participants and walkers arrive at the Church of the Good Shepherd, everyone will remain outside. The costumed nativity participants will arrange themselves around the crèche in front of the church building and the Christmas Story will be read outside. The event will conclude with Victor Borko playing “Silent Night” on the guitar, and those comfortable singing may do so. Another way to enjoy this annual event is to park near the church and watch and listen from the safety of vehicles.

For more information, visit rangeleyarts.org.