Local Resident Brings Community Together with Live Nativity

Schae Richards, community editor 

Richard Eversull, of Nibley, has always loved animals. He grew up in Cheyenne, WY, and spent his summers raising horses on his grandparents’ ranch.

Similarly, his wife, Karen, grew up on a dairy farm that her father and uncles ran. Though, she says she didn’t care too much for the “farm life.”

Richard and Karen lived in Collinston, about 16 miles from Logan, for several years where they raised animals on their 15-acre property.

After Richard was injured in a car accident in 1987, it was hard for the couple to keep up with the day-to-day responsibilities of running a farm. That’s when they decided to move to a house their sons built for them in Nibley.

When Richard retired in 2006, he started looking for a way to give back to the community.

“I was looking for something to do — a public service,” he said.

Not too long after starting his search, Richard came across a listing in the city newsletter.

The City of Nibley was looking for someone to maintain what is now called Nibley’s Morgan Farms.

The Morgan family owned the land and built the barn prior to The Great Depression.

“It’s kind of a legacy and landmark for the community,” said Richard.

He wanted to maintain the farm for the benefit of residents, and started by bringing in some of his own animals.

Soon after he started maintaining the land, Richard decided to do something more. He wanted to do something that would bring the community together.

In 2008, the community held their first Live Nativity event at Morgan Farms. That was beginning of what is now a holiday favorite for many locals.

At the Live Nativity guests can go on a hay ride, sip hot cocoa and see a live reenactment of the Christmas story.

This event runs 100 percent on volunteers. People from around the community donate their time and talents to put it on each year.

Richard maintains the animals and fire barrels. Lisa Pugmire, of Nibley, designs the costumes. Brad Tolman, of Nibley, provides the camel and hay wagon.

Trudy Knight, of Nibley, is also a main contributor. She has been helping with the event since the beginning. She handles the casting and donations.

From the real animals to the festive music to the warm hot cocoa, visitors are guaranteed a fun and unique experience.

“I have seen people stand for 15 to 20 minutes, staring at the nativity scene and contemplating the true meaning of Christmas,” Richard said.

Trudy agrees. She said the event brings the community together in more ways than one.

“It’s a great tradition for families to look forward to every year,” she said.

This event is also a great way for people to give back to their friends and neighbors.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a can of food as their admission. All monetary and food donations go toward funding the event or supporting the Cache Community Food Pantry. Last year, they collected about 2,200 pounds in canned food.

“Almost every night, we fill up a truck or van to take to the food pantry,” Trudy said.

The Live Nativity is always held the second weekend in December. This year, it will run Friday Dec. 8, Saturday, Dec. 9 and Monday Dec. 11 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. For event details, visit facebook.com/cvlivenativity.

Other Holiday Events in Cache Valley