Besides its estimated 200 attendees, this weekend's Friends of the Crèche national convention boasts an even bigger draw to Salt Lake City — thousands of Marys, Josephs, Christ Childs, wise men, stable animals and angels.

Celebrating the tradition and display of Nativity scenes, the three-day event is the fifth national convention for the 10-year nonprofit organization — and its first west of the Mississippi River.

"The mission is to further the crèche tradition in the world of angels, snowmen and Santas," said Midvale resident and event co-chairwoman Holly Zenger.

Crèche is the French equivalent of "Nativity scene" — other titles include crib, manger, belen, nacimiento, pesebre and szopka.

By whatever name, hundreds of Nativities — in various sizes, shapes, colors, materials and interpretations — are spread throughout five exhibit rooms through Saturday at the Radisson Hotel, 215 W. South Temple.

Included are a 1,000-piece Fontanini Bethlehem display and a super-sized Bethlehem scene measuring 30 feet long and 15 feet high.

The convention also features vendors selling Nativity-related wares and a number of nationally renowned specialists speaking on topics ranging from stained-glass windows to wise men and Black Madonnas, with other presenters providing how-to techniques.

And it all centers on the Nativity scenes.

"There's always an emotional connection," said the Rev. Timothy Goldrick, a Friends of the Crèche board member from Massachusetts' Cape Cod area.

His first exposure to Nativity scenes came at age 5, watching his Portuguese grandfather perform the patriarchal duty of setting up the family's Nativity scene — an inexpensive set purchased from Woolworths.

"I told him, 'When you're done playing with that, can I play with it?' " Goldrick recalled.

Zenger was similarly hooked, but at a later age. Not remembering any Nativity scenes from her childhood, she bought her first set from Grand Center as a young newlywed.

It was the start of a since-expanded collection, as Zenger first hosted crèche exhibits in Palo Alto, Calif., for a decade and then continued the tradition after moving to Utah. Her first here drew 4,300 visitors to her Midway home and has resulted in bigger sites and crowds for 12 years now.

A special one-day pass is available for Friday for $60 — the day's activities include four speakers, lunch, a musical presentation and access to the exhibits, demonstrations and vendors. Registration is available at the door.

e-mail: taylor@desnews.com