Around a manger off Foys Lake Road sat the Heffernan family dressed as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, or one of the Magi, and an angel for Family Life Christian Church’s annual live nativity on Dec. 18.

“We usually come to it, but this is our first time being Mary and Joseph,” said Kelsey Heffernan patting her husband Shea, who was seated beside her.

Kelsey Heffernan said the church needed another family to help out as the live nativity was also held on Dec. 17.

“It’s been fun,” she said. “I think it helps people remember the real reason for the season.”

Standing around the Kalispell couple were their children Natalie, Samuel and Landon, also dressed in robes and headpieces. A tarp overhead kept the family dry on that snowy night, and a small heater hidden behind the manger worked to keep them warm from the cold during the two-hour event.

One of the youngest Heffernans, 4-year-old Landon, warmed his hands around a cup of hot cocoa while his older siblings took bites from cookies before standing still for a visitor’s photo.

Of course, a nativity scene isn’t quite complete without animals. Miniature cattle, a goat, a miniature horse and donkey were led around as visitors, arriving by trolley buses and cars, petted the animal’s thick winter coats, dampened from snowflakes melting under warm hands.

“The same families bring pretty much the same animals every year,” Family Life event planner Angela Firestone said.

Usually, it’s children involved in 4-H or FFA who bring in animals they’ve raised to show at the fair, including Whitefish sisters Hannah and Kimber Boll, who stood next to nativity holding the reins of the miniature cattle.

“This is Mabel, she’s full grown and pregnant,” Hannah said, introducing the cow to visitors, which came up to about her waist, “I’m about 5 foot 4.”

“And this is Tater. He’s 6 months old,” Kimber said.

The sisters started a herd years ago after buying the miniature cattle from friends in 4-H.

“They’re really docile and really sweet,” Hannah said about the breed.

“They don’t eat as much as a standard cow,” Kimber added.

After viewing the live nativity and petting the animals, visitors milled about, catching up with old friends — or making new ones — and stopping by a warming tent where the hot cocoa and cookies were being served.

Angela estimated this is the sixth year of the live nativity. Angela said about 40 or 50 volunteers are needed to hold the event from start to finish for a crowd of more than 200.

“It’s something different for the community,” she said. “It’s a reminder to slow down and remember there’s a reason why we celebrate Christmas.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 406-758-4431 or [email protected].