Rockport’s 66th Annual Christmas Nativity Pageant

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Rockport Pageant Committee, in partnership with the Rockport Art Association, the Rockport Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, and the Christmas in Rockport Committee, is presenting Rockport’s annual Christmas Nativity Pageant on Saturday, December 22, 2012, beginning at 5 pm. (Rain date: Sunday, December 23 at 5 pm)

Each year hundreds of spectators gather to watch the live re-enactment of the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of baby Jesus. The pageant begins with a torch lit procession which starts at Dock Square and proceeds up Main Street, with a brief stop at the Rockport Art Association, representing the Bethlehem inn, and then on to the stable at the Congregational Church. Along the way the story of Jesus’ birth is brought to life through a live narration and Christmas hymns sung by a full choir.

The pageant was originated by Dr. William F. Strangman and Mrs. Aldro Hibbard in
1947, as a gift from the Rockport Art Association to the village. It remains a solid holiday
season fixture to this day.

The Rockport Pageant Committee wishes to thank this year’s lead sponsors Granite Savings Bank, Rockport National Bank, and Rockport Rotary Club for their generous financial support; Rockport Art Association for providing the space for cast costuming and costume and crèche  storage;  Rockport Music for the use of the Shalin Liu Performance Center to broadcast the narration by Mike Costello, and for hosting a free community sing-along and presentation of vintage Christmas TV specials following the Pageant; Rockport National Bank for hosting the post-pageant open house reception; carpenters George and Jeff Hobbs, Bill and Billy Elwell and Jake Rowe for building the crèche; Bruce Rowell of Bayside Electric for lighting; Brad Bigelow for crowd management; Pat Marshall and Marshall’s Farm for providing Jasper the donkey; Mark Nelson and his choir; Rockport Congregational Church for the use of the church lawn for the crèche and the church to house and broadcast the choir, and for providing a community ham and bean supper following the Pageant; as well as the efforts of scores of dedicated individuals both in the cast and providing support behind the scenes. Cast List to follow soon.