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.
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.
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.
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.
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