Nativity Sheep Trail

Starting Friday, November 25, families can begin actively collecting the names of 10 sheep hidden in Des Plaines businesses. Download your Nativity Sheep Trail flyer now and begin strategizing on how to do the 6.5 mile course.

Most will start on S. River Road at CR Flowers, work their way north to B's Sweet Bites, up Lee Street with several stops, do the downtown, then head west on Northwest Highway, with a final stop at the Once and Again Boutique. Start anywhere. Do a few a week. Do it all in one day. The Sheep Trail runs from November 25 to December 17. Completed forms can be turned into the boutique for a free cookie.

All sheep were handcrafted and donated to Breakfast with Baby who is sponsoring the Nativity Sheep Trail. As program director Cheryl Hagedorn explains, "Once a month Breakfast with Baby provides free diapers to families in need. Most little ones have older siblings. I wanted a Christmas activity that would involve the whole family. When I found Messy Church's Nativity (UK) online, I knew that's what I wanted to do in Des Plaines."

Not only is the contest free for the families, it's free to the businesses as well. "I promised that I would take of the publicity if they would take care of the sheep," said Hagedorn with a wink. "Hopefully, the owners will benefit from increased foot traffic during the holiday season."

The Nativity Sheep Trail flyer includes the Christmas story, a coloring page, directions on how to do the Trail, and a list of shops. Below each shop name, there's a space for the name of their sheep. There is also an opportunity to enter a drawing for a small prize. Perhaps one of the sheep?

The contest ends on Saturday, December 17 at noon. The drawing will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 18 at a Christingle-making craft event at The Salvation Army, 609 W. Dempster, Des Plaines.

Watch the "Where's Augie?" video and see if you can spot the elusive sheep.