500+ nativity sets fill Manitowoc church

MANITOWOC - Nine years ago, Trinity Alliance Church displayed about 225 nativity sets inside its doors. That number is now more than 500 for its annual ‘Wonder of Christmas.’

“If we had more space, we have more nativities than this,” said Judy Corrado, an organizer of the event.

More than 50 of the sets are Corrados.

“Everybody that knows me and travels brings me a nativity set,” said Corrado.

Even more belong to church member Lin Van Koevering.

“I don't know, I just love them,” said Van Koevering.

The church's display has become a community effort with people across Northeast Wisconsin lending their own sets from all over the world.

“It feels good to be a part of this wonderful thing that this church does for the community,” said Sharon Vogt of Manitowoc.

“Our goal is for people to be able to focus their Christmas season starting with seeing the real purpose of Christmas rather than what sales on for Black Friday or Cyber Monday,” said Corrado.

All the sets carry a common theme, this year it's "From the Cradle to the Cross", but each has its own story of how it ended up here.

“This one was made about 40 years ago by inmates at the Manitowoc County Jail,” said Corrado.

Those stories and looks keep people like Corrado coming back to share their displays.

“It's our gift to the community,” said Corrado.

The displays will be up at the church on Nagle Avenue this weekend and next. On Fridays and Saturdays the hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays noon to 4:30 p.m.