Families visit with ‘Three Kings’ at Elgin library

Children and their families visited with the “Three Kings” during an event Saturday at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin.

Gaspar, Melchor and Balthazar, the Three Kings according to Christian Tradition who brought gifts to baby Jesus, were portrayed on stage by a trio of community members.

Families waited in line for the opportunity to have their photo taken with them.

The annual event takes place around the time of the Epiphany, also known as “Three Kings Day,” which celebrates the three wise men bringing presents upon first seeing baby Jesus.

“It has been celebrated for over a decade here at the library,” said Madeleine Villalobos, the library’s director of Hispanic services. “The idea behind it is to pass this on to our children and younger generation so that they know the tradition.”

In addition to the visit with the Three Kings, activities included story time, craft projects, hot chocolate and traditional Rosca de Reyes bread.

The event was held in partnership with the Mexican Organization of Elgin.