Looking back to 1951 and seeing the changes that have come surrounding the celebration of Christmas since then, it is very interesting that a handful of Christians were motivated to plan an event out of concern for the secularization of how Christmas was celebrated in our community!

That group initiated the first Christ Child Festival at the South Side Market. In 1952, the festival moved to the Memorial Coliseum where it has continued through 2012. The idea of such a festival grew and spread. At one time there were approximately 100 Christ Child Festivals held in cities across America. Over time, many were discontinued. Fort Wayne is the only city we know of that has continued to offer an interdenominational Christian celebration named the Christ Child Festival, free of charge.

Our local festival was attracting crowds of many thousands in the 80's. The attendance declined steadily to a low of 700, and subsequently grew again to 10,000! Covid caused us to step back due to health restrictions. A smaller festival presence along with a larger Internet presence was sought to continue to honor our mission. The change in venues, emphasis on spreading God's truth on local billboards, and Internet paid messaging have advanced the Gospel in spite of the times we face as a nation.  We hope to continually improve the quality and ministry of the festival as the Lord leads.

We are praying that many people come together this year to focus on the Christ of Christmas. May the "City of Churches" come together as the "City of the Church" to proclaim the good news of Christ our Saviour.

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