By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The community of Pawnee Rock presented a Sunrise Easter Pageant at the Pawnee Rock Historical site a mile north of US-56 Highway on Centre Street for the first time in 1936. Dan Heath is one of just three people to direct the pageant in its tenure. Even after 20 years of directing, he's excited for the pageant's return at 7 a.m. on Easter morning, Sunday, March 31.
"It really is a very cool thing," he said. "It's so Americana. It's a bunch of people early in the morning, out in nature, the sun's coming up. It's just a beautiful little moment that the people there share. Sometimes it's cold, sometimes it's beautiful. It's been raining and it's been windy. It's been a little bit of everything, but it's hard to beat the scenery and the feeling. It just makes you hopeful."
"The Way of the Cross" was written in 1934 by Dorothy Clarke Wilson. Vivian Wright organized the pageant for many years, and Roy and Tricia Prescott and Dale and Berny Unruh are organizing this year's pageant. A community choir directed by former Pawnee Rock resident Jen Wilson will provide music. Many families have been a part of the tradition for several years.
"It's kind of in the DNA of these families," Heath said. "All of my kids grew up playing different parts. My youngest has now worked his way all the way up to Roman soldier. It makes you feel very connected to where we live and where we're from and what we're about here in this part of the world.
"For just a little bit, we get to leave all the hate, the naysaying, and the negativity behind, and we all get to join together and be hopeful. It's a beautiful little service. You just couldn't ask for better scenery than The Rock, and I hope people will give it a shot because it's really a great way to spend your Easter morning."
The pageant was held almost every year from 1936-1976 with a break during World War II. It returned in 1981 and has been held every other year. With another year off due to COVID, the pageant switched to even years. While many families return each year, many members have also passed away over the years. The pageant continues in their honor.
"Some the churches, everybody just loads up and goes," Heath said. "There's a lot of family that comes. There are people who it's become their family thing. They get up early, go to Pawnee Rock, watch the pageant, and go have a donut."
Dean and Greta Lakin will open up the Depot for coffee and donuts immediately following the pageant, which often draws between 100 and 200 spectators. Heath is grateful for all who participate.
"There's a handful of people who work really hard to make sure it happens," he said. "We appreciate them, and we appreciate Gary Parr. He always brings out sound stuff so people can hear. That's really cool of him to do that."