CHURCH PAGEANT TO TRACE CHRIST'S LIFE : COUNTRY EVENT STAGED TO ALLOW VIEWING FROM VEHICLES.

Byline: Sherry Joe Crosby Daily News Staff Writer

Nearly 100 costumed actors and animals - including a llama and donkey - will be the star attractions this weekend in a drive-through Christmas pageant at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Visitors can stroll along a walkway or stay in their cars to drive past seven elaborate scenes recounting the life of Jesus Christ - from a marketplace to a secluded garden to the crucifixion - designed by church member and professional set designer Wes Hanson.

``The pageant is our gift to the community,'' producer and church member Elaine Viveros said. ``It's something that is absolutely 100 percent local. We can help people who live right here in Santa Clarita Valley. ''

Called ``Follow the Star to Bethlehem,'' the free three-day event will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, Saturday and Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 27265 Luther Drive in Canyon Country.

The church is just behind the McDonald's restaurant on Soledad Canyon Road and Luther Drive.

The event is intended to collect food for the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry, a nonprofit organization which donates food, clothing and other supplies to the poor. There is no admission fee, but visitors are asked to bring canned food to donate.

This year, more than 4,000 people are expected to attend the event, which takes five minutes to drive through. Pedestrians can view the scenes from a footpath located away from the cars, Viveros said.

Church members, ranging in age from 5 to 75, play all the roles from villagers to Jesus Christ, Mary and Joseph, Viveros said.

The animals, which include sheep, goats, a llama and donkey, were rented from a local company.

She said the scenes, such as the crucifixion of Christ, bring tears to some viewers' eyes.

``It's very emotional,'' Viveros said. ``People seem to appreciate that scene. We have people who spend 20 to 30 minutes standing at the Crucifixion scene.''

Last year, the food drive collected 2,775 pounds of food and $1,221 in cash. About 3,500 people viewed the pageant during its three-day run, officials said.

Food Pantry officials said the event helps boost dwindling supplies during the winter holidays, the time of heaviest need.

``It adds to the food on our shelves,'' said Ellen Cutler, a Food Pantry board member. ``There's a real heavy demand for canned goods and things for Christmas.''

The Food Pantry serves about 600 families a month, Cutler said. During the holiday season, the organization helps 169 more families under its Adopt-A-Family program in which individuals, service organizations and businesses provide food, clothing and toys to the needy.

This year, the Food Pantry needs canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, rice, beans, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, pasta, baby food and formula, diapers and personal hygiene items such as deodorant, shampoo, soap and razors.

Monetary donations will allow the Food Pantry to purchase food from regional food banks for 14 cents a pound, officials said.

Cutler said the food drive brings more visibility to the Food Pantry and its mission to help the poor.

``The people who normally would go by, donate food to us. It's wonderful,'' she said. ``These food drives provide the food we distribute. If we don't get donations we don't have food to give out.''

For more information, call the church at [phone].

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

Photo: (1--Color only in SAC edition) From left, Joseph Viveros, Anthony Capitelli, Mariah Eames and Gary Hermann rehearse a scene for ``Follow the Star to Bethlehem.''

(2) Cory Hermann practices for this weekend's production of Christ's life presented by Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Canyon Country.

Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News