Putnam County Churches will host a Happy Birthday Jesus Christ Celebration at the Putnam County Convention Center Saturday.
Community Director Kelly Parkison said a group of Christians wanted to create a holiday event that focused on celebrating the birth of Jesus. Parkison said her family has a birthday party for Jesus every year.
“Well this year’s theme is called ‘Joy to the World,’ and so as families arrive, kids will receive passports and there going to be able to travel around the world and see the way that different countries celebrate Christmas, and, of course, they’re going to hear about Jesus.”
Parkison said the program will have many countries for children to explore: France, Iceland, India, Italy, Mexico, Turkey and the United Kingdom. Parkison said the children can explore activities, crafts and snacks that represent those areas of the world.
Parkison said the event will have free food and a stage with live music for families to enjoy, as well. Children can interact with police on scene, interacting with trucks and helicopters. Parkison said kids will be able to spot a Christmas train and a Merry-Go-Round at the event.
Parkison said it is important to reflect on the meaning behind the season, as many churches have collaborated to put this event together. Multiple different denominations have collaborated in support of the message. Parkison said the event will be free for anyone participating.
“When I look at Christmas, I think of children smiling, laughing and having a joyful time,” Parkison said. “And that’s really what this is going to be. A time of fun, but also a time that really points back to the real reason for the season.”
Parkison said the function took place in a parking lot last year. This year, the event has grown to take up more room.