​Larry & Cathy Handley moved to Eureka Springs from Bentonville, Arkansas to retire in 2006, “which I did not do,” recalls Larry. His unique Snow Village & Train exhibit was set up here in the Great Hall in 2021-2023 for viewers to tour from November 27-December 31st. The Snow Village’s history began in 1994 when Handley’s daughter Hope gave him his first piece, The Church, that made up the starter set. “After that,” says Larry, “I added new pieces I bought and Christmas gifts people gave me.”

The Hadley’s collection has grown to over 1,322 pieces and an extensive electric model train exhibit all on a snowy setting. The Great Passion Play is officially the new home for this one of a kind display. When asked why they decided to donate their collection to the non-profit, Larry acknowledged some concerns as to who to donate to. “We considered locations around Eureka Springs to give the collection to, but as large as it is, storage is a problem.”

Larry recalls, “After our second year at the Play we approached Kent, Director of Operations, about making the exhibit a donation, and he & his wife Mallory were pleased with the idea.” To have volunteers to help him set up and take down the collection was a concern the Hadley’s had, but the voluntary mission group, Arkansas Campers on Mission, was here to assist him in late November. And in January they came back to build storage containers to keep the Snow Village in mint condition. With over a dozen volunteers, they worked tirelessly along with staff and other volunteers to disassemble and pack away the display. That was a confirmation to the Hadley's that they were moving in the right direction.

We believe that throughout the years the public will enjoy having access to this remarkable collection that presents the spirit of Christmas past in miniature. We’re pleased to say that many who came to enjoy the light displays we put up for the Christmas season and view the Passion of the Christ Statue, also visited the Snow Village and Train Exhibit. The numbers are increasing each year the collection has been displayed in the Great Hall.
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Thank you, Larry & Cathy, for entrusting the Great Passion Play with your incredible Snow Village collection and Train Exhibit. We will earnestly continue with your tradition and desire to share the joy of the Christmas holidays. The display amazes young and old alike and aligns with our goal of proclaiming to everyone, the Reason for the Season, Jesus Christ.

We had to complete a major plumbing overall in the buffet. We hope to be done before March 15!

Jennifer Dorn, is a native of Longview, TX. Folks who live there know it was named the official “Balloon Capital of Texas,” in 1985 and is famed for its annual Great Texas Balloon Race. Her parents moved Jenn and her brother to Green Forest, Arkansas in 1994 expressly to be in the Great Passion Play. “My parents felt led to have us all be cast members in the Play together,” recalls Jenn. She remembers her mom, brother and herself sitting on the sidelines that first season. “They only had an opening for my dad,” Jenn says. In 1995, the entire family came on as cast members, and the rest is history. “I led the Christ donkey from the barn that first season.” When she was 16, she worked in different areas of The Holy Land Tour.

Today, Jenn and her husband, David, whom she met on the set of the Play when she was 13 and he was 14, have four boys and are all in The Great Passion Play together. “My dream was always to be a wife and mother.” And Jenn’s dream has come true. Her love for Jesus, her family and others shines brightly as she joyfully meets the many responsibilities she has on campus. As of now, Jennifer plays the ‘angel,’ and ‘Herodias,’ but is up for the challenge of learning a new role if need be. Due to family situations, she & David left the Play in 2002, but came back in 2017.

When asked what the best part about being in the Play is she replies, “Hands down, I get to meet people from all over and tell them about Jesus every night there’s a production.” When Jenn’s not in the Play, she manages the ticket office and sometimes fills in other areas where needed. It’s not unusual to see her directing traffic in one of our parking lots before the Play begins!

Her favorite passage in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
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We at the Great Passion Play want to say, well done Jennifer, your exceptional work ethic, loyalty and positive attitude are what we see and appreciate the most in you.

Trish Renka Watts, is a native of Georgia, best known for its peaches, peanuts, pecans, Vidalia onions and the home of Coca-Cola. “My parents moved us to Mountain Home in 1976 when I was 15.” says Trish. “That’s where I gave my life to Jesus at the age of 16 when I went forward at the First Baptist Church to be saved and baptized.” At 29, Trish rededicated her life and was baptized again.”

When asked how she got involved with the Great Passion Play, she replies, “My family came over to watch the performance. From that point on, I dreamed of being one of the actors in the play, but never thought in a million years I would ever be able to, due to circumstances.” Though Trish regrets not making the drive to apply sooner, she says the 1 hour and 45 minute drive from her home in Flippin is a small sacrifice for the cause of Christ. Since 2018, she’s played many roles and is more than willing to try a new character, if they need her.

Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 17:14, “Heal me, Oh Lord, and I shall be healed; Save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise.”

When asked what Trish likes best about being in the Play, she responds, “I enjoy being part of the testimony of the last days of Jesus unfolding right before the audience’s eyes. Countless lives are eternally changed every time this powerful story is presented. As a cast member, I am deeply affected by each performance. It’s a beautiful drama.”
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We at the Great Passion Play give kudos to you, Trish, for your great sacrifice to be here faithfully during Play days and for your desire to join with us in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

​Jim Sellers is a native of Cañon City, Colorado, known for its Royal Gorge, extensive natural hiking paths, rock climbing and whitewater rafting.
He is one of our work/campers here at the Passion Play. You may see him at the welcome booth talking with the visitors and giving instructions on navigating through our many attractions on campus.
Before the play was officially opened, Jim began working for the Smith Foundation taking care of the animals. In 1968, on the night of the first performance of the Great Passion Play, Jim’s first role was one of the Sanhedrin guards. “For the next 3 years, I played all the male characters except for the part of Jesus.” Jim recalls. And for each of those years he got a trophy for being the most versatile actor.
When asked about how he got involved with the non- profit, he recalls, “As a sideline Christian, I got more information about the organization and wanted to be a part of it. I visited with the initial leadership and they encouraged me to try it out.”
Jim loves to read, especially westerns by Louis L’Amour and any book that brings out New Testament characters. When asked what Jim loves most about being here, he simply replies, “I love people and sharing stories together.” We at the Great Passion Play can tell you are a people person, Jim. Thank you for making our visitors feel welcome and treating them like family.

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In 2003, this sidewalk ended at the front gate. It is time to finish the project! The concrete will cost around $3,500 plus the cost of rebar and forms.
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40 ft by 88 ft of front entrance side
8 ft by 88 ft of sidewalk by gravel drive in
188 ft sidewalk by 8 ft
12 ft by 8 and 3 inches where trail crosses