ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. — Mike Parisi kept a Christmas tradition in Ellwood City alive Thursday by hauling in a nativity scene with his truck.
Supporters formed a motorcade as Parisi drove the nativity scene into town Thursday afternoon.
Officials in Ellwood City did away with their display -- a 50-year tradition -- after the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation threatened to sue.
Parisi said he’s keeping his display legal by parking as close to borough property without crossing the line.
A local attorney paid for a new creche and set it up outside a former church he owns.
“I came into town and saw what was going on. I saw people coming into town and telling us what we can and can’t do. That’s when I got passionate,” Parisi said.
Parisi said he’ll move the display every two hours if that’s what it takes to let Ellwood City have a nativity scene.
Borough officials said they won't disrupt the display if it doesn't violate parking or other laws.