Boothbay Harbor got its own little slice of Bethlehem Dec. 6 during Our Lady Queen of Peace’s annual live nativity. The event, which also includes scripture reading and carols, marked its 35th performance this year.  

“This is the church's gift to the community ... There aren't that many members, but we belong to this great community, and so we want to give back,” said organizer Wilma Tatlock. Tatlock is also the mastermind behind the nativity’s costumes, worn by a mix of returners and new faces.  

Some of the new parishioners included sibling trio Maggie, Eleanor and Harry Byram, who were cast as angels and a shepherd, respectively.  

Music Director Ed LeCuyer expressed his pleasure with the year’s turnout and spoke about the importance of welcoming young people into the church. “Bringing the message of Christ in Christmas is so important, and what better place to do it than in the Boothbay region.”  

After the event, attendees enjoyed hot chocolate and a smorgasbord of homemade cookies while they watched the lighted boat parade and fireworks from the church lawn.  

This year’s cast was Donna Leonard (Mary), John Leonard (Joseph), Henry Hurford III, David Butler, Dean Domeyer (The Three Kings), Maggie Byram, Eleanor Byram (Angels), Harry Byram and Richard Gray (Shepherds).