Atheists, Jesus and Santa Gather at Vernon Town Hall

VERNON, CT — So an atheist, Jesus and Santa walked into Vernon's Central Park ... It's not a bad holiday joke, but a right of passage in front of the Vernon Town Hall.

The monuments to different beliefs and practices have been showing up in Central Park for the past few years now. Local Christian groups traditionally place a manger scene with Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus and, per the Bible, the stable they used for shelter when all the Bethehem inns were booked during a regional census.

To the right, looking at Town Hall, the Connecticut Valley Atheists have a sign referring to displays on public land that reads, "Keep America Secular."

The Santa House is nearby. The Santa House was established by a local group to give young people a chance to visit with Santa Claus in a cozy, warm setting.

Both were in the shadow of a large wreath hanging from town hall.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel