Nauvoo Holbrooks

 corn, Corn, CORN! It's been fun to watch the fields change over the summer. We saw lots of empty fields when we first arrived. Then they planted corn, but some fields stayed empty for a while. We thought maybe that was to stagger the corn a little so it doesn't all come off at once, but it was more likely for a crop of something else.  And the corn started to grow. They plant corn all over--fields back up on churches, homes, and even cemeteries. We saw a patch about 5 feet wide, but couldn't tell how long it was because it went up over a small hill and down the other side. And those empty fields? Probably not staggering the crop as much as a different crop--soybeans. The farmers generally grow corn one year and soybeans the next. The two crops return different nutrients to the soil. Corn on the left, soybeans on the right Every now and then you see a renagade stalk of corn in the middle of a field of soybeans. And the corn grew more. And it got taller Because they don...

 Nauvoo Pageant The stage with the temple way in the background before most people arrive. The stage has sections that move up or flatten to make certain parts more interesting. One of the light towers around the stage.  When you see this guy climbing up, you know it's almost time to begin. There are two large banners one on either side of the stage. This one represents the Nauvoo Pageant, and another shown two weeks ago for the British Pageant.     Both the Nauvoo and British pageants begin with a colorguard followed by bagpipers. Then we sing the national anthem. It's a nice patriotic start. This program a tribute to Joseph Smith. Although persecution is mentioned, they don't dwell on it and instead focus on the kind of man and leader Joseph Smith was and the efforts of the early Saints in building up Nauvoo. Description from the website: The show highlights the prophetic mission of Joseph Smith and honors the sacrifice, faith, and courage of early members of ...

 Country Fair People from the communities (nearby cities, not just Nauvoo) and cast members from the following week's performance put on the Country Fair in the fields around the stage. It's a type of gathering activity and runs about 90 minutes before each pageant performance. It's a good distraction for kids (and adults) who are waiting for the pageant to begin and helps those attending to get in the pioneer spirit. There's also a stand selling popcorn and water as fundraiser for a local charity. Those are the only refreshments sold, which is appropriate since that is most likely what the pioneers had--no Twizzlers for them! Annette McLane (at the back) leads the quilting activity. She oversees the grounds for all the Church-owned lawns and gardens. There are tons of grassy fields in Nauvoo. Square dancing is popular  Sack races                                           ...

 British Pageant There are two pageants going on here on alternating nights, the British Pageant and the Nauvoo Pageant. The British Pageant is a modified version of one that's been performed every four years in Chorley, England. It celebrates the Restoration being taken to the British Isles and tells of some of their trials when the Prophet asked them to come to Nauvoo. Set in England to start, it shows events there with the missionaries: lives being changed, people hungry for the message of the Gospel, and Benbow Farm conversions.          One of two signs on either side of the stage. This is for the British Pageant, the other is for the Nauvoo Pageant.   At the beginning, they had flagbearers march on the stage, carrying flags representing the various countries in and around the British Isles. Then they developed stories about historical and fictional people.      Dancing around the Maypole A rally in London       ...