Damascus Tradition Returns: Easter in the Park 2026
- Gary Ritchie
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
I had a meeting a couple of nights ago with a great group of friends. At that time, we officially committed to starting Easter in the Park once again. I can’t tell you the excitement I feel as we begin planning for such a great event in Damascus. When it all started around 30 years ago, I was a young man leading youth group in the church I was raised in. We took a hiatus from the event shortly before Covid. At that time, many believed it had run its course. I was always hopeful that like Jesus, the resurrection of Easter in the Park would take place.
For those of you who may have never heard of Easter in the Park, let me explain. The event is held on Good Friday and Saturday from 7:00 – 9:30. Participants enter the Damascus Town Park and walk into the marketplace of Jerusalem. The outdoor drama depicts nine or ten scenes in the life of Jesus. Ranging from the birth of Jesus to his crucifixion and resurrection, each scene is played out along the walking path in the Town Park. As participants enter the marketplace, they participate in the Census and are divided into one of the tribes, which serve as the touring groups. A guide leads groups through each scene. Scenes are repeated around twenty times each night as groups walk through the park. After all of the scenes are viewed, an invitation to follow Jesus is given. Every year people surrender their lives to Christ. To date, I suspect we have seen more than two or three hundred individuals be saved.
Many visitors make Easter in the Park a tradition. It is common to run into someone visiting the event, and they will share their experience of coming to Christ during one of the events. Some tell their own stories of participating in the event when they were teenagers. They tell what being a part of the Jesus’ story meant to them.
Initially, Easter in the Park’s aim was to only use teenagers to tell the story. As the event grew, we decided to make it a family affair. We always have a scene that involves Jesus with the little children so small children can be a part. The marketplace allows older people the opportunity to participate because they are able to be seated. Even those who do not have acting skills are able to participate because anyone be an extra in a scene.
One of the beautiful things about Easter in the Park is that many churches join together to bring it all together. Some years we have had as many as 250 participants. We even had an old yellow school bus that housed all of the costumes. On Friday night after the event, everyone would gather together for a cast party. You can only imagine what a party might look like with a cast of 250. As an observer, it was always so beautiful to see people from different churches, different communities, and different schools talking and laughing as they enjoyed a meal together. Easter in the Park created lasting friendships.
Last night after my conversation, I came home and started sending out texts to old Easter in the Park friends. I was excited to once again begin beating the drum for participation in such a blessed event. So… if you hung around and read this entire blog, you may be inspired to jump on the bandwagon. Young and old, whether you are attending church or not, you are invited to get involved. If you think this is something you would like to learn more about or may think your church might want to get involved, please reach out to me. We have plenty of time to pull it all together. Our first formal meeting will take place January 26 th at 6:00 pm at Damascus First Baptist Church. You are welcome to be a part from the ground floor up, as we begin brainstorming which scenes will be in Easter in the Park 2026.
Join me in praying for this year’s event. There will be some rust and cobwebs as we begin pulling everything together once again. But I can already tell, there are many who are excited and passionate about the resurrection: the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the resurrection of Easter in the Park. Be blessed my friends!
If you have questions for Pastor Gary or would like to participate in Easter In The Park,
he can be reached at:
For general questions, email us at info@onewaydamascus.org
Have a blessed day!
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