Holiday Shopping Guide
Nov. 29 - Dec. 27, 2024 Rock Spring Park
M-F 6-9PM • S-S 5-9PM
$10 suggested donation per vehicle
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 almost $60,000 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. 29 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 $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!
2024 Grandpa Gang members
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dick Alford, President
Rhonda Lewis, Vice President
Ken Aldridge, Treasurer
Mike Mathus, Board Member
Al Cowgill, Board Member
Dave Davis, Board Member
Tom Spahr, Board Member
Ken Aldridge, Board Member
Cory Jobe, Board Member
Lindsey Younger, Board Member
Steve Blair Gary Pearson
Al Cowgill
Allan Watson
Bill Hiller
Bert Mary
Dick Alford
Joseph Guccione
Larry Goss
Mike Nolan
Tom Spahr
Greg Naughton
Nathan Edsel
Bob Rohlfing
George Winterberg
Mike Morris
Kennedy Smith
Ken Aldridge
Rich Freeman
Karen Bock
Marvin Bock
Cathy Davis
Earl Gill
David Davis
Walt Grabner
Jim Bradbury
Richard Mandry
Jon Fosha
Mike Mathus
Charlie Davis
Allen Coalson
Corporate Sponsors
• 1st Mid America Credit Union
• AdVantage
• Alton Fire Dept.
• Alton Police Dept.
• Alton Refrigeration
• Anderson Trees
• Carissa Kristoff, Realtor
• Carrollton Bank
• CNB Bank & Trust
• Construction Safety Consult
• Davis Apartments
• Dugan Tool & Die
• Gent Funeral Home
• Hamilton Fabricating
• Hayner Public Library
• Home Depot - Alton
• Jim Murphy Landscaping
• John Hopkins Family
• Keister-Chiapelli-Hinthorne
• Liberty Bank
• Mark Smith - Shelter Insurance
• Midwest Sanitation
• Nautilus Fitness Center
• Olmstead Contracting
• Phillips 66
• Piasa Motor Fuel
• Resurrection Lutheran Church
• Riverbend Outdoor Services
• Roberts Motors
• Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab
• Sign Magic
• Stutz Excavating, Inc.
• The Grapevine Boutique
• The Telegraph
• Tucker’s Automotive & Tire
• Vance & Amanda Wohlert
• Vera Lee’s Event Venue
• Wegman Electric
• Wieland Rolled Products
Volunteer Groups
• Otter Creek Historical Society
• lst Mid America Credit Union
• lst Presbyterian Church
• Behavioral Health Alternatives
• Got Faith?
• Alton Juneteenth Committee
• GFWC Wood River Women Club
• Phi Tau Omega Sorority
• Ladies Order of Hibernians
• Riverbend East Rotary
• YWCA of Alton
• 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
• Middletown Neighbors
• OSF Moeller Cancer Center
• Alton Little Redbirds Wrestling
• East Alton School
• A Precious Organization
• PEO Chapter GG
Lunch Donations
• Fast Eddie’s Chicken
• Johnson’s Corner
• Imo’s Pizza
• Senior Services Plus
• Joe K’s
• Bakers & Hale
• Jimmy John’s
• Santino’s
• My Just Desserts
• Godfrey Meat Market
• Mac’s Downtown
• Olga’s Kitchen
• Bluff City Grill
• Josephine’s Tea Room
Thank you to these restaurants for donating lunches to the Grandpa Gang!
COLORING PAGE
Let it snow!
Deck the halls!
WORD SEARCH
Festive foods for your dog this holiday season
Family Features
Bring on the list-making, giftgiving, party-going time of year. The holiday season would also feel incomplete without delicious dishes to keep everyone feeling merry and bright. By everyone, that includes canine companions, too.
Consider this list of pup- and pet-parentapproved festive foods, as well as those to avoid, from the experts at Petcurean, makers of premium quality, nutrient-rich food for pets:
Avoid chocolate: There’s no way to sugarcoat it - chocolate is a nogo for dogs. The presence of both caffeine and a chemical called theobromine makes chocolate toxic to dogs because they aren’t able to metabolize them the way humans can. If ingested, chocolate can lead to a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, seizures and more. If ingested, pet parents should monitor their pup closely and check with a veterinarian.
Enjoy steamed vegetables: Holiday feasts are all about the side dishes. Dogs can savor their own sides with plain vegetables like steamed green beans or carrots, making for a flavorful, nutritious addition to their meals. Vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, and steaming them allows more of the nutrients to be retained while also supporting proper digestion. Be sure to chop veggies into small pieces and stay clear of seasoning or sauce.
Enjoy fresh meats: When cooked, fresh meat such as chicken, turkey, pork or beef can satisfy cravings while also offering pups a nutritious meal that is easy to digest. Pet parents can also choose a kibble made with fresh meats as a convenient option that supports dogs’ overall wellness, such as Now Fresh Good Gravy, which is made with easily digested fresh meats and nutrient-dense fruits and veggies, and by adding water, a delicious
bone broth gravy is created for your pup to enjoy.
Avoid table scraps: For many reasons, it’s best to skip the table scraps. Not only could an allergen or toxin be present that pet parents may not be aware of, there are several other health risks associated with feeding dogs table scraps, such as digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) and even more serious problems like pancreatitis. Plus, giving dogs calorie-dense food can contribute to obesity.
Enjoy pumpkin: A staple of holiday feasts, pumpkin is not off the table for pups to enjoy. In fact,
pumpkin is a superfood full of nutrients. Feeding dogs cooked or plain canned pumpkin can also be beneficial for their digestion because pumpkin contains fiber - just be sure to serve it free of seasonings like sugar and spices.
Just like their pet parents, pups deserve to indulge a little over the holidays, but it’s important to ensure what they eat leaves them feeling great. Remember to always check with a veterinarian about any concerns, especially when introducing new foods, and visit nowfresh.com to find personalized nutrition crafted for your pet.
Joy to world!the
How “White Christmas” made the holidays for everyone
When you hear “White Christmas,” you probably imagine a snowy, cozy scene, right? Well, there’s more to this holiday classic than meets the ear! Written by Irving Berlin and sung by Bing Crosby, this tune has been bringing people together for decades—and not just for its catchy melody.
A dream of unity
Berlin, a Jewish immigrant, loved everything about America. He wrote “White Christmas” in 1940, during a time of global uncertainty—World War II was raging, and the world was looking for comfort. The song was his wish for simpler, brighter times, something that resonated with everyone, no matter their background.
The song didn’t even mention the usual Christmas themes like the nativity or wise men. Instead, it painted a picture of snowy wonderlands and dreams of better days—something anyone could relate to, especially during the war. The result? A Christmas song everyone, from all walks of life, could sing along to.
Bing Crosby steps in
When Berlin wrote “White Christmas,” he knew exactly who
he wanted to sing it—Bing Crosby. By 1942, Bing was a household name, known for his smooth voice and laid-back vibe. Perfect for a song that’s all about dreaming of quiet, peaceful holidays, right?
The song debuted in the movie Holiday Inn, where Bing crooned about that dreamy, snow-covered Christmas. But it wasn’t an instant hit—at least not until America entered World War II later that year. Suddenly, “White Christmas” became the anthem for homesick soldiers and their families waiting for them back home. It struck a chord with people across the country, and by December, it was playing on radios and in homes everywhere.
A song for all
Why did it catch on so much? Well, “White Christmas” wasn’t your typical Christmas carol. It didn’t focus on religion or ancient traditions, but instead, it highlighted universal feelings: the longing for home, the desire for peace, and a hope for togetherness. As a result, people of all faiths and backgrounds embraced it. It was so popular that by 1947, Bing Crosby had sold 5 million copies of the song. The success of “White Christmas” also opened the door for other feel-good holiday hits like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer.”
A holiday legacy
Since its release, “White Christmas” has been part of every holiday season. From its original debut in Holiday Inn to Bing Crosby’s Merry Christmas album, it’s a song that connects generations. And it’s not just for Christians—the song has become an American tradition, embraced by people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds.
So, when you’re dreaming of your own “White Christmas” this year, remember: this timeless tune is about more than just snow. It’s about hope, unity, and the shared wish for brighter days—a holiday message we can all get behind.
Merry Christmas, neighbors.
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.®
Mike Fahnestock, Agent
600 N Wood River Ave Wood River, IL 62095 Bus: 618-254-1251 www.woodriversf.com
The Old Bakery Beer Company
15+ di erent local artisans & growers each week!
400 Landmarks Blvd, Alton oldbakerybeer.com
Sat Nov 30 • 11:30AM-3:30PM Thu Dec 5 • 5:00-9:00PM Sat Dec 14 • 11:30AM-3:30PM Sat Dec 21 • 11:30AM-3:30PM yourSupportlocal artists!
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Jingle all the way!
Fun Christmas Eve games to keep the holiday spirit going!
Who says Christmas Eve is all about sitting around and waiting? Let’s spice things up with some fun games everyone will enjoy!
1. The Christmas Gift Hunt
Perfect for kids (or playful adults), this game turns the tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve into an exciting treasure hunt. Instead of handing over the gift, hide it! Use Christmas cards, ornaments, or even little holiday shapes to write clues. For example, the first clue could say, “You sleep here every night,” sending kids to their beds to find the next clue. Keep the hunt going until they finally find their gift— maybe even back under the tree for a surprise twist!
2. What’s in My Stocking?
Got a big group? Try this memory game! Gather everyone in a circle and start by saying, “In my stocking, there’s an apple.” The next person repeats it and adds their own item, like, “In my stocking, there’s an apple and a boot.” Keep going, adding items alphabetically. Forget something? You’re out! The last person standing wins bragging rights as the ultimate stocking stuffer expert.
3. Musical Chairs: Christmas Edition
Looking for something a bit more physical? Crank up the Christmas music and play a holiday twist on musical chairs! Make it even more fun by requiring everyone to sing along and dance as they circle the chairs. You’ll definitely have a few people so into the holiday spirit that they’ll forget to grab a chair when the music stops!
4. Where’s Santa?
In this game, someone plays Rudolph and leaves the room while everyone else picks someone to be Santa. Rudolph comes back and has to guess who Santa is. Meanwhile, Santa winks at people, who shout “Ho ho ho!” whenever they’re winked at. It’s a great way to get everyone laughing and in the Christmas spirit.
5. Christmas Card Toss
Got a pile of Christmas cards? Let’s put them to good use! Set up a laundry basket or gift box a few feet away and see who can toss their cards in. Sounds simple, but cards come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll be surprised how tricky (and hilarious) it can be!
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
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
Dennis Gobble
Bob Reynolds
Travis Reynolds
Ryan Field
Patrick Havlin
Terry Lockyer
Tim Lane
Tonya Roberts
Phillip Walker
Richard Dona
Robert France
Benjamin Goble
Tracie Feig
Ryan Bennett
Jaun Cardona
Tanner Glover
Jakob McElroy
Gabriel Siecinski
Devin Williams
Justin Bland
Joshua Costello
Cecil Dial
Jacob Harris
Mark Hudock
David Johnson
Haley Michaels
Meghan Parker
Mia Sanchez
RJ Hetge
Scott Horn
Kent Auten
Connor Chakur
Tyler Atkins
Tony Michelon
Je Hudock
Tommy Vatole
Hunter Lippman
Andrew Hornsey
