BLACKFOOT — The Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce has invited the community to take a wagon ride and view a live nativity at Jensen Grove later this month.

Jaime Popejoy, executive director of the Greater Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce, said the live nativity will run from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21, at Jensen Grove.

“The inbound gates will close at 7:30 p.m. at Jensen Grove,” Popejoy said.

Local church groups held the live nativity for many years before the COVID-19 pandemic. It stopped for a couple of years before the chamber took it over.

“This is the second year the chamber has done it,” Popejoy said. “Everyone wanted to bring it back, and the chamber was asked to take it on. We do it with support from local church groups and businesses.”

The live nativity takes many people to organize. Popejoy said they need people involved in the planning process, cast and technical aspects. It’s a community endeavor.

“We have between 20 and 30 people for the planning and 75 when we get the cast counted,” Popejoy said.

The live nativity is usually a well-attended event. The wagon rides last about 15 to 20 minutes.

“It’s been going on for so long it’s become a Blackfoot tradition,” Popejoy said.

Attendees are asked to bring canned food or nonperishable food items to donate.

“It will be donated to our local community pantry,” Popejoy said.

Popejoy expressed gratitude for everyone who helped make the live nativity possible, from the church groups to the local businesses.

“We’re thankful for all the volunteers that have helped make this happen every year,” Popejoy said.