In case you don’t know what Bethlehem is, it’s the little village of Bethlehem recreated complete with a live Nativity, the Three Wise Men, a camel, sheep, donkey’s, a bread shop, a carpenter shop where the kids make a Christmas themed ornament, possibly a jewelry shop, an Inn where smoked turkey legs are prepared and sold, a stage with Christmas music and plays are performed, and last but not least, a candle shop, where kids dip their own candle. If you would like to help out or perform on stage, call Tom or Paula Goynes at 512-392-6171.

What a blessing it is that the City of San Marcos allows this to happen on city property. Let’s not let it lack willing helpers.

Directions: Coming from Austin or San Antonio on IH 35: Take exit number 205, this is the Luling exit. Head South on Hwy 80 toward Luling. Go one and eight tenths (1.8) miles from IH 35 and then take a right onto County Road 101. Take an immediate left at the first intersection you come to onto CR 102. Then go one half (1/2) mile and take a right at Pecan Park Dr. It is about 1/4 mile to the Pecan Park Campground RV office (the white building on your left) and TG Canoe Livery (the white building on your right). Once you pass the Pecan Park Campground RV office (white building on left) and TG Canoe and Kayak (white building on right), follow the blacktop road turning left, to the San Marcos River Retreat. Park on the right next to the new metal building, before the gate.

See also www.sanmarcosriverretreat.com