Celebrate Easter by viewing the annual Easter Pageant performance in Junction on Saturday evening, April 15. Records indicate the first pageant was held in 1950, making this the 57th annual event.

Presented in a spectacular natural amphitheatre which is carved into the hillside underneath landmark Lover’s Leap Mountain overlooking the South Llano River and city of Junction, viewers are guaranteed a moving, inspirational experience as they watch the story of Christ’s life unfold.

Beginning with Jesus’ 40 Days in the Wilderness and encompassing His Calling, Public Ministry, the Entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper and many more events, the three hour production culminates in the fantastic scene of the Ascension of the Lord.

Amateur performers, costumers, electricians, sound and special effects personnel . . . usually 75 - 100 laypersons . . . begin rehearsals six weeks before the one-night event each year. Attention is paid to detail in the costuming, wigs, beards and makeup of the performers and stage settings. Live animals are also used to portray Christ’s story, lending added realism.

In 1948, the interdenominational Men’s Bible Class organized the presentation of an Easter Sunrise Service on the banks of the Llano River. Junction resident, Coke R. Stevenson, then Governor of Texas, was the principal speaker, with over 2,000 people attending.

In 1950, the first pageant was performed on a small 30' concrete platform by 20 members of the Men’s Bible Class. Each scene was separated from the next by drawing a curtain made of wool sacks. Still under the sponsorship of the Men’s Bible Class, action is now carried out on approximately 13 stages, each built into different levels and areas of the hillside with modern lighting, sound and special effects. Using the original script, five readers narrate as performers re-enact the story while viewers watch comfortably from their parked cars.

Originally, a chuck wagon gang provided free coffee to visitors an ...

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