The call for babies to portray Jesus in the Vinland United Methodist Church’s 29th annual living nativity has been answered — and then some.

Paula Johnson, who is helping organize the living nativity, said the church had plenty of babies lined up to portray Jesus and parents to play Mary and Joseph.

“We have all the babies we need and even a backup list just in case someone gets sick or can’t make it,” Johnson said. “I’m not a last-minute person, so I just can’t wait three days before the event and hope for the best. We’re just really happy about the response.”

About a week ago, members of the Vinland church made their plea to the public for babies to be in the living nativity.

Johnson said organizers had 18 sets of holy families for the living nativity, which will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 21, 22 and 23 in a heated barn at the Vinland Fairgrounds.

Jean Moore, who has been involved with the event since it began, said many times they didn’t have families lined up for the 30-minute shifts until the week before the nativity.

“I think we’re a little farther ahead than usual,” Moore said. “It’s just great.”

Moore and Johnson said they possibly could use some more shepherds, but they are mostly looking to fill one other role in the living nativity.

“We still need a donkey,” Johnson said. “A donkey that’s well-trained and would be able to stand over the baby Jesus — that would be great. But we do have people to play the holy family and that’s the most important part.”

6News video: Church searching for young volunteers (12-01-04) Vinland church searching for baby Jesus (12-01-04)

Moore said church members and volunteers would be setting up the barn at the fairgrounds starting at 9 a.m. Saturday and Dec. 18. She said people were welcome to come help.