Nov. 25 - Dec. 27, 2022
M-F 6-9PM S-S 5-9PM
$7 suggested donation per vehicle
Rock Spring Park
A shining example
For nearly 30 years, the “Grandpa Gang” has decorated Rock Spring Park for the enjoyment of the community and to raise money for worthwhile causes.
Beginning as a small group of dedicated volunteers, the group designs, constructs, and erects displays and places lights throughout the park. Through the years, the displays have been maintained and expanded to continue the visual experience of the season.
We are happy to report this year’s Christmas Wonderland celebration will include Santa’s House with Santa for visitors to take their own pictures.
Most of the volunteers are retired and willing to work primarily during the morning hours to set up and dismantle the event, beginning around the second week of September and continuing through the end of February. We always welcome new volunteers and encourage new ideas to improve or expand. Our group comes from many communities throughout Madison and Jersey counties.
Last season, nearly 35,000 people passed through the park, stationed by 450 volunteer workers. Their generosity, and that of our sponsors, resulted in Christmas Wonderland Inc. being able to return $45,000 to different organizations, charities and community projects.
More than 3 million lights await the public for viewing again this year, along with a few new displays and light creations using LEDs. Nights from Nov. 25 through
Dec. 27 are drive-through nights, with hours from 6 until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 until 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with a suggested donation of $7 per car and $1 per person on buses or larger vehicles.
A well-organized security presence also ensures the safety and security of the visitors during and after operating hours.
Christmas Wonderland Inc. wishes to thank the volunteers, our sponsors, and you, the public, for making our efforts worthwhile. Now, turn off your lights, turn on the holiday music on your radio, and enjoy!
2022 Christmas Wonderland GRANDPA GANG MEMBERS
NOT PICTURED:
Rhonda Lewis
Christine Croxton
Tim Croxton
Harry Kulp
Joseph Guccione
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dick Alford, President
Rhonda Lewis, Vice President
Ruthene Ele, Treasurer
Mike Haynes, Board Member
Al Cowgill, Board Member
Dave Davis, Board Member
Tom Spahr, Board Member
Ken Aldridge, Board Member
Cory Jobe, Board Member
Steve Blair Gary Pearson
Al Cowgill
Allan Watson
Bill Hiller
Bert Mary
Dick Alford
Gary Sanders
Larry Goss
Jim Heinemann
Tom Spahr
Nathan Edsel
George Winterberg
Ken Aldridge
Rich Freeman
Marvin Bock
Earl Gill
Robert Garrisson
David Davis
John Scoggins
Jim Bradbury Richard Mandry
Jon Fosha
Mike Mathus
Charlie Davis
Allen Coalson
Corporate Sponsors
• 1st Mid America Credit Union
• AdVantage
• Alton Community Service League
• Alton Fire Dept.
• Alton Police Dept.
• Alton Refrigeration
• Anderson Trees
• Carrollton Bank
• Cedarhurst of Bethalto
• CNB Bank & Trust
• Davis Apartments
• Dugan Tool & Die
• Global Brass
• Hamilton Fabricating
• Hayner Public Library
• Homestead Financial Mortgage
• John Hopkins Family
• John J. Hopkins & Associates
• Keister-Chiapelli-Hinthorne
• Liberty Bank
• Nautilus Fitness Center
• Olin Corporation, Winchester Div.
• Phillips 66
• Piasa Motor Fuel
• Principia College
• Riverbend Outdoor Services
• Roberts Motors
• Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab
• Sign Magic
• Stutz Excavating, Inc.
• The Telegraph
• Tucker’s Automotive & Tire
• Wegman Electric
Volunteer Groups
• Otter Creek Historical Society
• lst Mid America Credit Union
• lst Presbyterian Church
• Behavioral Health Alternatives
• Alton High School Class of ‘64
• Grafton Methodist Church
• Got Faith?
• Dunbar Lodge 97
• Alton Juneteenth Committee
• GFWC Wood River Women Club
• Phi Tau Omega Sorority
• Ladies Order of Hibernians
• East Alton Rotary Club
• YWCA of Alton
• Alton-Godfrey Kiwanis
• Great River Road Dune Buggies
• Scheffel Boyle
• Alton-Godfrey Rotary
• Mississippi Valley Christian School
• St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
• North Alton-Godfrey Business Council
• Boy Scout Troop 101
• Alton Optimists
• East End Improvement Association
• Bright Star #85
• Middletown Neighbors
• Ss. Peter & Paul Church
• OSF Moeller Cancer Center
the
Deck Halls
Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Fill the meadcup, drain the barrel,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Troul the ancient Christmas carol,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
See the flowing bowl before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
It’s hard to hear “Deck the Halls” and not immediately be overcome by the festive nature of the holiday season. The lyrics to “Deck the Halls” were written by the Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant in 1862, and the song many people know today is a traditional Christmas carol. However, the Welsh melody that is part of the song can be traced to the 16th century and a song called “Nos Galan.” That song is not about Christmas, but rather New Year’s Eve.
Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
While I sing of beauty’s treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses!
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Laughing, quaffing all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Days of the
TwelveChristmas
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me, a partridge in a pear tree
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me, two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me, three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
One of the most instantly recognizable holiday songs also boasts one of the most unique histories of any Christmas carol. The exact origins and author of “The 12 Days of Christmas” are unknown, but according to the Catholic News Agency, between 1558 and 1829, Catholics in England were forbidden to practice their faith openly. This song was used to teach Catholic children about their faith. The song is filled with hidden meaning, even if modern celebrants largely sing it to express their festive moods and not necessarily their respective faiths.
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me, seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me, eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and A partridge in a pear tree
DOUBLE POINTS
Jingle Bells
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O’er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing A sleighing song tonight! Oh,
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh. Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.
Written by New England native James Lord Pierpont, “Jingle Bells” does not even mention Christmas or any holiday. The song’s birthplace is disputed, so much so that there are two commemorative plaques in two different cities, each of which claims to be the place where Pierpont purportedly wrote the song in the 1850s. One plaque is in Medford, Massachusetts, where Pierpont is said to have written the song from a tavern while watching sleigh races taking place outside. The other plaque is in Savannah, Georgia, where locals believe Pierpont wrote the lyrics prior to leading a sing-along of the song at a local church in 1857.
A day or two ago I thought I’d take a ride
And soon, Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side, The horse was lean and lank Misfortune seemed his lot He got into a drifted bank And then we got upsot.
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.
A day or two ago, The story I must tell I went out on the snow, And on my back I fell; A gent was riding by In a one-horse open sleigh, He laughed as there I sprawling lie, But quickly drove away.
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh.
on the
Up Housetop
Up on the housetop reindeer paws, out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones, Christmas joys Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho,ho ho! Who wouldn’t go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with old Saint Nick
Images of Santa Claus excite children across the globe each holiday season. Some such images appear on television, in stores or in the front yards of homes decked out for the holidays, while others are elicited through songs like “Up on the Housetop.” Hollywood legend Gene Autry’s mid-20th century version of “Up on the Housetop” might be the most widely recognized version of the song, but the tune actually dates back to 1864, making it the second oldest secular Christmas song (“Jingle Bells” was written in 1857).
First comes the stocking of little Nell Oh, dear Santa fill it well Give her a dolly that laughs and cries One that can open and shut her eyes
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick
Look in the stocking of little Bill Oh, just see what a glorious fill Here’s a hammer and lots of tacks Whistling ball and a whip that cracks
Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?
Up on the housetop, click, click, click Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick
O Christmas Tree
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
Not only green when summer’s here
But also when it’s cold and drear
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
For every year this Christmas tree
Brings to us such joy and glee
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
“O Christmas Tree” is a wildly popular holiday song. In fact, the song is so popular that there are many different versions, each of which is based on a traditional German folk song. That song, “O Tannenbaum,” is centuries old and has nothing to do with Christmas.
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You’ll ever be unchanging
A symbol of goodwill and love
You’ll ever be unchanging
Each shining light, each silver bell
No one alive spreads cheer so well
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You’ll ever be unchanging
WARM WISHES TO YOU AND YOURS
SilentNight
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in Heavenly peace!
Sleep in Heavenly peace!
Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from Heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
In 2018, the popular Christmas carol “Silent Night” celebrated the 200th anniversary of its first performance. The lyrics to “Silent Night” were written by Austrian Roman Catholic priest Joseph Mohr in 1816. Over the years, the melody has been credited to the likes of legendary composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. However, a manuscript handwritten by Mohr and discovered in 1995 revealed that the Austrian composer Franz Xaver Gruber composed the music to this beloved song.
Christ, the Saviour, is born! Christ, the Saviour, is born!
Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, Love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
We Wish You Merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year!
Good tidings we bring for you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Now bring us some figgy pudding, Now bring us some figgy pudding, Now bring us some figgy pudding, And a cup of good cheer!
Historians have uncovered the origins of many popular Christmas carols, but others remain somewhat mysterious. Such is the case with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” an instantly recognizable tune that some historians believe can be traced back to the 16th century. According to Songfacts.com, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” reflects an English tradition in which wealthy people in England would give treats to visiting carolers on Christmas Eve. One such treat was figgy pudding, which the song has immortalized.
Good tidings we bring for you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We all like our figgy pudding; We all like our figgy pudding; We all like our figgy pudding; With all its good cheer.
Good tidings we bring for you and your kin;
We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We won’t go until we get some We won’t go until we get some We won’t go until we get some So bring it out here!
Good tidings we bring for you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, And a Happy New Year! And a Happy New Year!
Good tidings we bring for you and your kin; We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The First Noël
The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
And by the light of that same star three Wise Men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent,
“The First Noël” is a beloved Christmas carol that has endured for nearly a millenium. According to Classichistory.net, historians believe “The First Noël” was written as early as the 13th century. During that time, Miracle Plays that depicted Biblical stories were very popular in Europe, and “The First Noël” is believed to have been inspired by those plays. The song tells the story of the birth of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew.
and to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
This star drew nigh to the northwest, o’er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
Then entered in those Wise Men three, full reverently upon the knee, and offered there, in his presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
God of God, Light of Light; Lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb; very God, begotten not created;
O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;
The popular Christmas carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” traces its history back several centuries. While the lyrics to the song have been attributed to various authors, the text is most often credited to an 18th century English hymnist named John Francis Wade. While Wade may or may not deserve such credit, the earliest known written versions of the hymn, sometimes referred to as “Adeste Fideles,” each include his signature.
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning: Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n; Word of the Father, late in flesh appearing.
O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
WhiteChristmas
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, Just like the ones I used to know,
Where the treetops glisten And children listen, To hear sleigh bells in the snow.
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, With every Christmas card I write, May your days be merry and bright, And may all your Christmases be white.
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, With every Christmas card I write, May your days be merry and bright, And may all your Christmases be white.
Snow-covered landscapes can make the holiday season that much more special. The beauty of such landscapes are captured in the song “White Christmas,” which was penned by Irving Berlin. No one is sure when Berlin actually composed the song, but it is widely believed he did so in the late 1920s or early 1930s. But “White Christmas” is one of the best-selling songs of all time — particularly after it was included in the musical “Holiday Inn” starring Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby.
‘Tis the season for gingerbread cookies
Tradition plays a big role during the holiday season. Food is at the center of many families’ traditions, which may include big family dinners and Sunday brunches together.
Holiday baking sessions also hold a sacred spot in many
Soft Glazed Gingerbread
Yields 12 to 20 cookies
Dough
3 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground cloves
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
households. Such sessions are a great opportunity for adults and children to have some fun in the kitchen and create some tasty treats the whole family can enjoy.
Baked goods devotees may find it hard to imagine the
holidays without gingerbread, and this recipe for “Soft Glazed Gingerbread” from Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson’s “Tartine” (Chronicle Books) can ensure the whole family enjoys this holiday season staple.
1 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 large egg
1⁄2 cup blackstrap or other dark molasses
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Glaze
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons water
To make the dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and mix on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and soft. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg and mix well.
Add the molasses and corn syrup and beat until incorporated. Stop the mixer again and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl and all the ingredients are well incorporated. Remove the dough from the
bowl, flatten it on a large piece of plastic wrap into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, cover the dough with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper on a nonstick liner.
Unwrap the dough and place on a floured work surface. If using a plaque with a design, roll out the dough 1⁄3-inch thick, lightly dust the top with flour, press your cookie molds over the dough, and then cut out the shapes with a small knife and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Alternatively, using the mold as a guide, cut around it with a small knife, flip the mold over so the design is facing you, and place the dough over it, pressing it into the design. Unmold the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.
If using a patterned rolling pin, lightly dust the lined baking sheet with flour and transfer the dough to the pan. Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour and roll it into a rectangle about 1⁄3-inch thick with a plain pin. Then, using the patterned pin, roll over the dough with enough pressure to ensure a clear
impression of the design. Trim the sides with a small knife. It is not necessary to cut into smaller sizes before baking.
Bake the cookies until lightly golden along the sides but still soft to the touch in the centers, 7 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of the individual cookies, or if you have made a single large patterned piece that will be cut after baking.
While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and water until smooth.
When the cookies are ready, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, while the cookies are still warm, using even strokes, brush a light coat of glaze on the top of each cookie, evenly covering it. Let the cookies cool completely. When the glaze dries, it should leave a shiny, opaque finish. If you have used a patterned pin to make a single large plaque, cut into the desired sizes with a small, very sharp knife. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about 2 weeks. They do not freeze well, however, as the glaze becomes watery when they are thawed.
from your friends at
Christmas Greetings
We hope the holidays ring in the best of everything for you! At this joyous time, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyal patronage throughout the past year and we look forward to serving you again in the years to come.
Sam Roberts
John Roberts
Jack Phegley
Johnny McClennan
Rachel McHugh
Tony Michelon Jr
David Chandler
Brent Cleveland
Paul Coleman
Bryan Collins
Mike Jacober
Jacob Rau
Rachel Dooling
Tony Schomburg
Bob Schuman
Tony Skalnican
Bobbi Steinkuehler
Cindy Edwards
Fred Steinmann
Kelly Freeman
Becky Wayman
Curtis Winder
Shannon Hedin
Mike Fisher
Ralph Hall
Sean Cobb
Dennis Gobble
Bob Reynolds
Travis Reynolds
Je rey Eby
Ryan Field
Patrick Havlin
Terry Lockyer
Paul Butler
Andrew Goeken
Paul Hull
Tim Lane
Tonya Roberts
Phillip Walker
Richard Dona
Matt Honnen
Nathaniel Buhs
William Kloempken
Corey Roberson
Robert France
Benjamin Goble
Tracie Feig
Amanda Jackson
Ryan Bennett
Jaun Cardona
Earl Fenstermaker
Tanner Glover
Amanda Jackson
Bill Kloempken
Jakob McElroy
Eric Price
Angela Johnson
Gabriel Siecinski
Devin Williams
