Annual Exhibit features 1000s of Nativities

By Sherry Ficklen ©The Port Lavaca Wave 2024

More than 800 nativities will be on display beginning Friday, Nov. 29 at The Red Barn at the Fifth Annual Nativity Exhibit, located at 3187 Hw. 35 S., topping last year’s number of nativities scenes by more than 100. More than 500 spectators viewed the exhibit last season, and this year promises to exceed that.

“The place will be filled with about 800 nativities and a few on the outside; but counting pictures, puzzles, plates, cards, cookie jars and quilts there will be close to 1,000 representations of the nativity,” said founders Veronica and Kevin Koliba. “Anyone and everyone is welcome to display their nativities or parts of their collection. We have many that have been donated as well.”

The Kolibas began their collection out of necessity, needing nativities for the first Nativity Exhibit. 

“After the first year, we were amazed at all the different kinds of nativities we found so we made it a mission to rescue them from any thrift shop, antique store, estate sale, even flea markets we could find,” said Veronica. “I’ve often wondered what I have missed when I wasn’t looking for them. It’s turned our road trips into missions with purpose.”

The Kolibas said the most unique nativities displayed are often the most whimsical – made of pasta, pinto beans, cinnamon bark, spark plugs and recycled dish soap bottles. Cat, dog, fox, bear and gnome nativities are also part of it. 

“We have traditional nativities and elegant pieces,” said Veronica. “I often say they range from eccentric to exquisite, from quirky and quaint to ordinary and original.”

The display will include nativities from many places, including Buffalo Gap, Dime Box, Glen Flora, Odem, Brookshire, Geronimo, Greenville, Hobson, Harwood, Sanderson, Farmersville, Winnsboro, Tivoli and more. The couple have traveled through many Texas towns as well as Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Arizona and California to find nativities. The furthest display comes all the way from Australia, one from Hawaii and another from Poland and are all crafted to perfection, according to Veronica. 

Former Calhoun County resident Lorraine Marshall Chavana said she has visited the exhibit in the past and thought it was a vast and lovely display.

“There were so many nativities, and in many shapes, sizes, and colors, made from a variety of materials, wood, glass, ceramic, metal, tree bark, macaroni and pinto beans,” said Chavana. “The history of each set was provided, which made it even more interesting. It is really an experience, and something to see.”

Connie Wooldridge said she missed the first Nativity Exhibit but marked her calendar to attend the following year. 

“When I entered, I was in awe of the collection. A few reminded me of the ones my grandparents had when was a kid,” said Wooldridge. “Some of the exhibits were simple, while others included the full Nativity. It was interesting to see how so many different cultures depicted the story. 

Wooldridge has since added to the exhibit to share and help the collection grow. 

Calhoun County resident Sandy Crenshaw did not display an exhibit, but instead reflected how beautiful the exhibit was, displaying the true meaning of Christmas. 

“There is just something special about being in a room full of Jesus,” said Crenshaw. “I love it.”

The Kolibas said the exhibit takes weeks to prepare for. The nativity exhibit will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec.1, Dec. 6-8, and Dec. 13-15. There is no admission fee to enter, however donations will be accepted. Bracelets, Christmas cards and ornaments will also be for sale. There will be a children’s table set up with a dozen nativities set up for play. To display, donate or sponsor, call 361-935-8032 or 361-550-8620.

“I believe the event positively contributes to the community. Last year many visitors asked where they should go eat when they had their fill of nativities,” said Veronica. “And now statewide television coverage from The Texas Bucket List, a weekly, nationally-syndicated television program filmed either on location or somewhere in Texas or at The Texas Bucket List Store & Studio in College Station, will bring even more visitors to our city.”