CREATIVE CRECHES ON DISPLAY.

Byline: Jim Feehan The Register-Guard

From the tiniest display inside a walnut shell to an elaborate exhibit made of Lego blocks, about 400 Nativity scenes were featured at an exhibit Friday and Saturday at a Eugene church.

The third annual community creche exhibit held at the gymnasium of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Eugene Stake Center included 30 displays from foreign countries, said LeeAnn Mitchell, director of public affairs at the Mormon Church.

Most of the Nativity scenes were contributed by members of the church, with a sprinkling coming from people who live nearby in the Harlow neighborhood, she said. "This is our way to begin the holidays by focusing on the birth of Christ," Mitchell said.

Various high school and string ensembles, the Oregon Children's Choir and the Springfield Mormon Christmas Choir provided entertainment in the gym festooned with Christmas trees, garlands and bows. About 2,000 people attended the two-day event, up from 1,000 last year, Mitchell said.

Snow globes, pottery, Waterford crystal and miniature clay figurines from the Navajo Indian tribe in Arizona were among the creches.

Creches made of Legos and one featuring the cartoon characters from Veggie Tales were a big hit among children.

Arline Link of Springfield enjoyed the Veggie Tales creche, as well as the Nativity scenes from foreign countries.

"Whether it's a white, black, or brown Jesus, it helps that he's there for them and for anybody else," Link said.

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One of the more traditional Nativity scenes at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints featured figurines. About 2,000 people attended the two-day event.