MINDEN, Neb. -- A central Nebraska town is proud of keeping traditions that date to the 1900s.

It is well known that Minden is Nebraska’s Christmas City, but how did the town get its name?

The story goes that in 1915, City Lights Commissioner J.C. Haws wanted to impress the state convention of the Grand Army of the Republic. He strung lights from the railroad depot to the town square and eventually focused them on the courthouse dome.

Years later, the tradition lives on. A group of locals performs the Light of the World Christmas Pageant downtown. As it finishes, the 12,000 bulbs placed around the courthouse light up.

Minden resident Don Phillips has been involved with the pageant for over 40 years and said it’s a meaningful experience. 

“Well, I think everything gets a little busy at Christmas; and I think we need to take a step back, and just kind of enjoy the season and the reason,” said Don Phillips. 

Every year dozens of residents volunteered for the production. 

Sharyn Kovacs' son is one of the Roman soldiers in the production.

“It’s spectacular, I mean it’s the true Bible story so that’s exciting to be able to see that and then just to see them pantomiming it, and just to be able to get in the true spirit of Christmas,” said Kovacs. 

There is still a chance to see the pageant. Minden will have one more reenactment on Sunday at 7:00 and the lights will be up through Christmas.

“You can just hear all the people around the square going 'ahhhhhhh' do the big 'ahhh' that’s the best part of it," said Don Phillips.