Victorian revival

Christmas walk returns to downtown Bethalto

By Jason White

Big Z Media

Chestnuts sizzled, horse hooves clopped and finely attired ladies and gentlemen took in the sights Dec. 12 at the Victorian Christmas Walk in downtown Bethalto.

Event chairperson Kathy Wilson said people were excited about the event returning after last year’s cancellation. Wilson is a member of the Bethalto Spirit organization, which she said has been organizing the walk for “umpteen years.

“It’s really just a visit down through old town Bethalto, kind of giving it the Victorian vibe — people in costume, carriage rides, chestnut roasters,” she said. Shops opened their doors and Father Christmas held forth for photos inside one of them. The event also featured carolers, candlelit streets and a lighted Christmas village at Central Park.

Visitors learned about Bethalto’s history from presentations at the museum. People also toured an old log cabin.

“We just try to make it a vintage experience,” Wilson said. 3

Sam Cushing and Ashley Taylor make popcorn in front of the Illinois Insurance Agency building at the start of the Victorian Christmas Walk on Sunday in downtown Bethalto.

A horse-drawn carriage awaits passengers.

Diana Waldo assists people waiting for the horse-drawn carriage.

Willy Meyer roasts chestnuts.