More than 2,000 visitors took in the First Christmas Experience presentation at 91原创鈥檚 at 21277 56th Ave., held over three nights from Dec. 8-10.

Likely, the actual number was higher, since the attendance estimate was based on the number of free tickets issued for the interactive family-oriented event, that combined a guided outdoor walk through moments from the Bible, with an mixed-media indoor theatrical presentation, and a Christmas market, plus hot chocolate and cookies at the end of the tour.

While RSVP鈥檌ng by getting tickets in advance was being encouraged to ensure a consistent flow of visitors and track turnout, drop-ins were also allowed, explained Sara-Lee Hamre, one of the organizers, and the spouse of CLA Lead Pastor Derrick Hamre.

鈥淭his is for everybody in the community,鈥� she said.

鈥淎nybody who wants to come. We would love to see people coming who are not part of Christian Life Assembly.鈥�

Tours ran every 20 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Pastor Hamre was one of the guides.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great joy as Christians to celebrate the most significant Christian holiday with our neighbours and friends in 91原创,鈥� he told the 91原创 Advance Times.

鈥淔irst Christmas is a reminder of how this holiday, and many of our traditions, actually came about. A bit of a walk down memory lane.鈥�

More than 100 volunteers worked on the presentation, Hamre estimated.

鈥淥f particular joy for us [was] meeting the many new families to 91原创, including refugees and new Canadians. They are fascinated by the story and enjoy the hospitality. It鈥檚 a free event, and that鈥檚 a significant thing in tough economic times.鈥�

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