Jesus, Santa And The Atheists Chilling At Vernon Park — Again

VERNON, CT — So this guy walks into a bar ...

He poses a question ... "What do atheists, Jesus and Santa have in common...?"

Guy who seems to have been at a corner table for hours answers succinctly, "They all hang out across from Vernon Town Hall for the holidays."

Yes, it's become a common site over the years at Vernon's Central Park — a manger, the Santa House and Jesus and the atheists peacefully co-existing in the shadows of town hall.

The monuments to different beliefs and practices have popped up in December for the past several years, usually just after the annual Winterfest celebration the first week of the month. They are part of an all-inclusive display policy adopted by the Vernon Town Council in 2007.

Local Christian groups traditionally place a manger scene with Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus and, as the Bible tells us, the stable they used for shelter when all the Bethlehem inns were booked during a chaotic regional census commissioned by the Roman Empire governor.

The Connecticut Valley Atheists have traditionally erected a sign referring to displays on public lands that reads, "Keep America Secular."

The Santa House us run by a volunteer committee and funded by private donations. For 2021, the Vernon Santa House is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Dec. 19.

A Christmas tree and a large wreath hanging from Town Hall are also on display.