The Twelfth Night Festival presented each year in January at Christ Lutheran Church, 13th and Hamilton streets, Allentown, is a highlight of the season. This year, the 31st annual festival was performed to a sold- out crowd.

Families enjoy participating in the performance together. For example, the four members of the Lea family from Salisbury Township all take part in Twelfth Night. Father Victor is Casper, one of the three kings, wife Susan is the Peacock Lady-in-Waiting, son Luke Lea is a king's page and daughter Alexandra is the Christkind.

Another Salisbury family participating in Twelfth Night for at least eight years is the Smith family. Father Charles Smith is the Knight for Joan of Arc. His three sons, Eric, Adam and Colin also participated in the play. Adam said he started as a Sprite eight years ago and has played various parts until this year, he is a Squire. Colin Smith also began as a Sprite in his first year participating and this year he is Joseph. And Eric is the page for King Wenceslas.

Pastor Maritza Dolich, of Walnutport, and Pastor William Maxon, of Lower Macungie, take part in this liturgical drama also. They are available to give an encouraging word or a prayer. Maxon and his wife Linda are in the play as Martin and Katie Luther. Emily Vincent, of Parkland, is the costume coordinator. She has a fine group of church members who help to repair, iron and fit the costumes and make last minute adjustments.

John Sechler is the director, Donald Albright is the music director and conductor, Karl DeBoeser is the choir master, Jance Muchman is the casting director and Susie Black, of Emmaus, is the stage manager.

Approximately 250 church members take part in the festival and this number includes those who take care of the lighting and sound, the props, the feeding of the group in between performances and the orchestra and choir. All are fed a delicious homemade meal with lots of desserts.

The tradition of the Twelfth Night pageant began with church member Eleanor D. Kramp who had the inspiration and foresight to see what the festival could become and is a continuing memorial to her.

If you want tickets for the 2014 performance, you should call the church before August and tell them you would like to be on the list.