The Live Nativity at Gray Methodist Church this weekend has some small additions that could make a big impact.
The nativity will be presented Dec. 13-15 from 6-9 p.m. The church is located at 121 Gordon St., and entry to view the scenes is once again from Stewart Avenue, crossing in front of the W.E. Knox Civic Center. Signs with further instructions will be posted at the entrance.
Members of Gray Methodist started the Live Nativity in 2002. In addition to the actors in the various scenes that tell the story of the birth of Jesus, there is also a stable with livestock.
A noted addition this year will be micro-mini donkeys and cows, courtesy of Steven Crager, who is the owner of Crager Hills Farm in Milledgeville.
In a recent phone interview with Crager, he talked about how and why he became interested in the micro-mini animals. The owner said he was in the military for 21 years and retired as a first sergeant.
Crager said he had a friend who was an agent in the state department and referred him for a leadership position in the explosive K9 program in Iraq. He was injured while in Iraq, which resulted in several surgeries, depression and ultimately a battle with PTSD.
“I did a lot of research on micro-mini cows, and their therapy brought me back to life,” he said.
Because of what the micro minis did for him, Crager said he now owns and trains them to help others. Crager said his animals are the real deal and are trained to lay with people.
He said the true micro minis are no more than 36 inches tall.
“They are like puppy dogs,” he said.
The owner said he is now looking into buying alpacas for a petting zoo.
He said 30-minute therapy sessions with the micro minis are $50.
Crager also said a friend encouraged him to let someone have a birthday party on the farm. He said he was very hesitant at first, but it was wonderful. Now he is also scheduling birthday parties.
The owner also breeds the micro minis to sell.
Crager said he connected with the Live Nativity in Gray through Sara Wood, who attends Gray Methodist. When contacted about bringing the animals, he said he was all for it. He plans to bring two micro-mini donkeys and three micromini cows each night.
“I’ve served my country, and now I’m happy to serve my community,” he said.
For more information about Crager Hills Farm, visit its Facebook page or call 478-363-2531.