Garland hung from the ceiling. Lights glittered on the trees. On the stage at the Spiritual Life Center, eight tubs became drums as residents of the Ellsworth Correctional Facility played “Little Drummer Boy.”
“Last year we had a couple buckets. This year we had barrels,” SLC Chaplain Tim Hammye said. “I meet with the guys in July and begin to talk about an idea I might have. We try to switch it up a bit, adding different elements.”
This year, Hammye said he wanted to adjust the pace of the annual production of “Christmas on the Inside,” which took place Dec. 7-8.
“We start out with heavy metal band and ended with praise and worship,” he said.
The event, in its 16th year, includes music by those who participate at the SLC, as well as crafts and items for visitors who wish to do some Christmas shopping.
Interwoven among the music were testimonials and reflections.
“Our benefactor gives eternal life,” a resident said. “He give deliverance ... let’s give that God some praise.”
The audience ranged from family members of performers to family of employees and community members.
“This was a heart-warming performance,” Great Bend resident Harlene Miller said. Her son-in-law works at ECF. “It was amazing. You could feel the presence of the Lord.”
She said she enjoyed the religious nature of the program.
“We’re showing Christmas is about the Lord’s birth, not about what we buy for each other,” Miller said. “We’re praising him for what he’s done for us.”
Following the performance, visitors had the opportunity to greet and visit with the performers.
Ellsworth resident Georgia Prochaska said this was her first time to attend the event.
“I didn’t expect this,” she said. “I loved it. It’s uplifting. There’s so much talent here.”
Hammye said the performers bring a variety of experience to the table.
“You have an eclectic group of individuals,” he said. “You have a Hispanic band who learned by YouTube. Some of the English band have been professional musicians on the outside.”
 While the event is about celebrating Christmas, Hammye said he thinks it’s important for community members to experience the ECF facility.
“People on the outside typically see prison as a very silent place, or everybody inside a prison is very violent,” he said. “The majority of guys are just trying to serve their time. They’re not violent people. They might have done a violent crime, but they are serving their sentence.”
Participants are members of different religions, but all coordinate to celebrate Christmas.
“It gives them the freedom to express what they believe,” Hammye said. “Everyone on that platform believes Christ came to save the earth. They are celebrating.”
Being able to share the experience with not only the community, but also residents’ families, is important.
“This is a big deal for them,” Hammye said. “To show their family ‘I’m doing something good with my life. You’ve seen me on the outside and I might not have done something good. I’m here, doing something to better myself.’”