Rehoboth’s rolling nativity scene

Rehoboth Beach may not be allowing the Knights of Columbus to place its creche on city property, but businesses and residents have shown their support of the issue by installing versions of the scene. At least 10 businesses and property owners, found mostly along Rehoboth Avenue, have installed nativity scenes.

One of those scenes might actually be considered on city property, but it’s also on the bed of a pickup truck.

As it has been for weeks now, on a recent afternoon, the truck was on the move. Mike and Pam Pichola, Rehoboth property owners for eight years and recent full-time transplants, said they have been keeping a red pick up truck on Rehoboth Avenue since before Thanksgiving.

The nativity scene on wheels is primarily Mike’s project. He said they normally put the scene on the lawn of their Maryland home, but they decided to bring it to Rehoboth after hearing about the issue here.

“It’s just a shame,” said Mike. “We’re devout Christians, and this is the time of the year to do it.”

Mike said he looked over the city’s parking regulations about leaving the truck in one place for too long. There’s not really much, he said. Still, the truck has been moved up and down Rehoboth Avenue almost every day.

Pam said it’s like Elf on the Shelf, “We’ve been moving it around every day.”

Mike said they plan to leave the truck on Rehoboth Avenue through the rest of the season.

“The reaction has been good,” he said.