Rock Spring Park
Nov. 24 - Dec. 27, 2023 M-F 6-9PM • S-S 5-9PM $10 suggested donation per vehicle
Glory to God
IN THE HIGHEST,
and on earth
PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN. – LUKE 2:14
2
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.
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 $10 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!
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 $48,000 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. 24 through
christmaswonderlandalton.com
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2023 Christmas Wonderland
GRANDPA GANG MEMBERS
Al Cowgill
Allan Watson
Allen Coalson
Bert Mary
Bill Hiller
Steve Blair
Gary Pearson
Dick Alford
Joseph Guccione
Charlie Davis
Larry Goss
Mike Nolan
Jim Bradbury
Richard Mandry
Mike Mathus
Jon Fosha
Gary Werts
George Winterberg
Earl Gill
Tom Spahr
Nathan Edsel
Ken Aldridge
David Davis
Robert Garrisson
Rich Freeman
Marvin Bock
NOT PICTURED: Rhonda Lewis Tim Croxton Christine Croxton Harry Kulp
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
Interested in putting some of your free time to work and being in the beautiful outdoors? Call Dick Alford 618-781-2482 or Dave Davis 618-419-1969 to become a member of the Grandpa Gang. This publication is created and produced by 5
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9
Deck the 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.
Strike the harp and join the chorus, 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.
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.
10
Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Merry Christmas, neighbors.
Wishing you a happy holiday season!
I wish all my neighbors peace, joy and love this Christmas season and beyond. I’m blessed to be part of such a wonderful community. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
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Mike Fahnestock, Agent 600 N Wood River Ave Wood River, IL 62095 Bus: 618-254-1251 www.woodriversf.com
Credit Union www.1stMidAmerica.org State Farm Bloomington, IL 2006048
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Twelve as Christm
the Days of
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. 12
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
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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. 14
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
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Up p o t on e s u o the H 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 First comes the stocking of little Nell Oh, dear Santa fill it well Give her a dolly that laughs
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). 16
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
Happy Holidays from all of us at
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O s a m t s i r h C Tree O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Thy leaves are so unchanging O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Thy leaves are so unchanging
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree You’ll ever be unchanging A symbol of goodwill and love You’ll ever be 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
Each shining light, each silver bell No one alive spreads cheer so well O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree You’ll ever be 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.
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Silent Night Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright
Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, Love’s pure light
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy infant so tender and mild,
Radiant beams from Thy Holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Sleep in Heavenly peace! Sleep in Heavenly peace! Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight;
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
Glories stream from Heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ, the Saviour, is born! Christ, the Saviour, is born!
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. 20
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u o Y h s i s a Wae W m t s i r h C y r r e M
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!
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.
Now bring us some figgy pudding, Now bring us some figgy pudding, Now bring us some figgy pudding, And a cup of 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!
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. 22
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!
Wishing a vef and peace ofyou the season, merry Christmas I to you and yours. Wishing you a very
I to you and yours.
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Wishing your Christmas is filled with the and peace of the season, Wishing your Christmas is filled withfrom the joymy team and peace of the season, from my team and I to you and yours.
Wishing you a very I to you and yours. merry Christmas! Wishing your Christmas is filled with the joy and peace of the season, from my team and I to you and yours.
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t s r i F e Th 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. 24
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.
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, e m o C O l u f h t i a F All Ye 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;
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.
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. 26
O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
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White mas Christ 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.
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. 28
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.
Give a personalized gift like no other Personalized gifts are a simple way to show loved ones how much you care about them and understand their personalities, hobbies and interests. Now you can take personalized gifts to a new level in celebration of special moments like birthdays, holidays, engagements, graduations, weddings and more. Offering millions of combinations through personalized stylization and accessories, Funko, makers of the iconic Pop! line of pop culture collectibles, is now providing consumers the opportunity to make replicas of themselves, friends, loved ones or co-workers through Pop! Yourself.
Now available online, anyone can create fully customized vinyl collectibles of themselves, just like the biggest celebrities across film, TV, music, sports and more. In fact, since becoming available in 2021, Pop! Yourself has been the No. 1 in-store offering at the two brick and mortar locations. Entertainment, sports and music collaborations are expected in 2024 to deliver even more personal customization options. “Launching on our Funko e-commerce site is the next step in bringing Pop! Yourself to fans and customers of all ages,” said Dave Bere, vice president of Pop! Yourself. “We’re celebrating our fans by giving them the
opportunity to become a collectible themselves with the added value of preserving their life moments, including current interests, graduations, birthdays, baby reveals and more.” Members also have access to a fan rewards program, offering additional benefits such as fan experiences, discounts, sweepstakes and exclusive merchandise. Fans have a variety of ways to earn points for benefits by interacting with content, connecting on social media and being part of the community. Learn more and customize a collectible figure for yourself, loved ones, friends and more at Funko. com. 29
Get creative with delicious, decorative cookies A decadent holiday meal isn’t complete without a sweet dessert to cap off the evening. When in doubt, go with a traditional treat that’s perfect for sharing: cookies. These Ornament Cookies can be shaped any way you like to celebrate the holidays. The royal icing adorning these festive favorites is made with powdered sugar and meringue powder; just use food coloring to add a personal touch. For more than 120 years, Domino Sugar has helped millions bake special recipes like these cookies made with non-GMO, vegan, kosher and gluten-free Golden Sugar that’s free flowing and easy to scoop, spoon and pour. The sugar retains a hint of molasses flavor, giving it a golden color and providing a perfect way to add less processed sweetness to your loved ones’ favorite desserts. Find holiday recipes, baking tips and more at dominosugar.com.
Prep time: 25 minutes plus 1 hour to decorate Cook time: 20 minutes Yield: 2 dozen cookies
ORNAMENT COOKIES Cookies: 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup Domino Golden Sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 large egg 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt
Royal Icing: 4 cups Domino Powdered Sugar 3 tablespoons meringue powder 1/3 cup, plus 2-3 tablespoons, warm water, divided desired food coloring
To prepare cookies: In large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg; beat until well combined. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Add flour and salt; beat until just combined. Dump mixture onto lightly floured surface and divide in half. Shape each half into disks and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Working on lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thick. Cut cookies using 30
ornament-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies on prepared pans and bake 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool at room temperature. To make royal icing: In large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder and 1/3 cup water. Beat on low speed until combined. Increase speed to mediumhigh and beat 8-10 minutes, adding 2-3 tablespoons warm water, as necessary. Icing should be stiff enough to hold peak. Color royal icing with food coloring and decorate cookies.
DID YOU KNOW?
Lights on a Christmas tree may seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, but people who can’t wait to deck the halls each December may be surprised to learn that this beloved tradition dates all the way back to the late nineteenth century. Edward Johnson, a friend and colleague of Thomas Edison, introduced holiday light bulbs in 1882. Prior to that, candles were lit on trees and families would briefly gaze at this awe-inspiring bit of holiday decor before the candles were quickly extinguished. Johnson is credited with being the first to suggest light bulbs, which were invented by his friend Edison, be used to light trees in place of candles. While many were impressed by Johnson’s eight-bulb holiday display, it remained a novelty until the 1920s, when preassembled lights became more accessible. Since then, Christmas tree lights have taken hold as a must-have piece of holiday decor in households across the globe.
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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 Brent Cleveland Paul Coleman Bryan Collins Mike Jacober Jacob Rau Tony Schomburg Bob Schuman Tony Skalnican Cindy Edwards Fred Steinmann Kelly Freeman Becky Wayman Curtis Winder Shannon Hedin Ralph Hall
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