Easter Tradition Brings Story of Jesus to Life in Collegedale

Collegedale, TN (WDEF)- A beloved Easter tradition is once again bringing the story of Jesus’ final days to life in Collegedale.

The SonRise Resurrection Pageant is a one-mile, interactive walk-through at Southern Adventist University, transforming the campus into the city of Jerusalem.

More than a thousand people gather for the event, all working together to recreate the final moments of Christ’s life.

Ruthie Gray, a coordinator for the pageant, says the energy is what makes the experience so special.

“What I love about today is the energy—we have over 1,000 people here who are all passionate about telling the story of Christ’s last days on earth,” Gray said.

From the marketplace to the walk-through scenes, every detail is designed to fully immerse visitors in the Easter story.

Guests can explore a recreated Jerusalem marketplace featuring a wide range of experiences—from booths where Caesar collects taxes to demonstrations of ancient medicine using leeches and maggots. For those looking for something a bit more appealing, visitors can also sample olive oil before continuing on to scenes like the Last Supper, where they can witness Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.

It takes more than 500 volunteers to make the pageant possible, many of whom return year after year.

For volunteer Angel Blasini, it’s the connection with others that keeps him coming back.

“The best part for me would definitely be the interaction—the people that you meet, the people that you work with. The disciples have always been great, and just the opportunity to bring Jesus to somebody through something that you love doing,” Blasini said.

Organizers say they hope the pageant continues to inspire reflection and bring the community together each Easter season.