Nov. 26 - Dec. 27, 2021
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 once again include the displays missing from last year along with the popular walk through night and enchanted forest display. Unfortunately due to continuing covid concerns and the safety of our volunteers and visitors, our Santa Claus house will not be open. We hope our visitors will understand and still enjoy the more than 3 million lights on display.
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 40,000 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 $65,000 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. 26 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 at 93.1FM on your radio, and enjoy!
2021 Christmas Wonderland GRANDPA GANG MEMBERS
Patridge
Aldridge
Rhonda Lewis
Christine Croxton Tim Croxton
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 NOT PICTURED:
Harry Kulp
Joseph Guccione
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bud Rain Gary Pearson
Al Cowgill
Allan Watson Bill Hiller
Bert Mary
Dick Alford
Gary Sanders
Larry Goss
Jim Heinemann
Tom Spahr
Nathan Edsel
Will
George Winterberg
Ken
Rich Freeman
Marvin Bock
Earl Gill
Robert Garrisson
David Davis
R L Christeson
John Scoggins
Jim Witt Richard Mandry
Jon Fosha
Joe Pendt
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
• Christenson Information Svcs.
• 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
• Maneke Jewelers
• Nautilus Fitness Center
• Olin Corporation, Winchester Div.
• Phillips 66
• Piasa Motor Fuel
• Principia College
• Robert Sanders Waste Systems
• 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
• Power of the Giraffe
• 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
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
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
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
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).
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, 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
“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.
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!
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;
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.
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!
REAL HOT CHOCOLATE
Serves 1 to 2
1 1⁄2 ounces
semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
1 1⁄4 cups milk
Chocolate curls to decorate
Place the chocolate in a large, heatproof pitcher. Place the milk in a heavybottom saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour about one-quarter of the milk onto the chocolate and leave until the chocolate has softened.
Whisk the milk and chocolate mixture until smooth. Return the remaining milk to the heat and return to a boil, then pour onto the chocolate, whisking constantly.
Pour into warmed mugs or cups and top with the chocolate curls. Serve immediately.
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
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.
“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 by the light of that same star three Wise Men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, 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,
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.
Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above; 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.
Decorating is one of the joys of the holiday season. Families often decorate together, and such traditions may include dressing the Christmas tree and hanging holiday lights around the house.
A day spent making homemade ornaments is another great way to decorate and spend quality time together as a family during the holiday season. Though families can let their imaginations run wild when making ornaments at home, the following are some great starting points that can serve as springboards for holiday crafting sessions.
• Snowmen: The holiday season simply wouldn’t be the same without snowmen. Homemade snowmen can be made out of ping pong balls, which are the ideal size when making ornaments for the Christmas tree. Those who want to go a little bigger can glue wiffle balls or large polystyrene balls together
or create their own papier mâché snowmen to display on mantles or on console tables in a foyer or hallway.
• Santa Claus: Another staple of holiday decor, Santa Claus has inspired many a DIY holiday ornament over the years. A paper plate Santa Claus with a cotton ball beard glued on can make for a fun Christmas craft, especially for young children who can’t wait for the big guy to appear on Christmas Eve.
• Penguins: Though they might not have a direct link to the holiday season, penguins evoke feelings of cold weather, making them an ideal addition to holiday decor schemes. Make your own penguin family using polystyrene craft balls in assorted sizes and then hang them on the tree or place them around the house.
• Reindeer: Santa would not be able to get the job done each Christmas Eve without his trustworthy team of reindeer. Popsicle stick
reindeer projects can be fun for kids of all ages and a great way for youngsters to recognize the efforts of Dasher, Dancer, Comet, Cupid, and, of course, Rudolph, among others.
• Cookie cutters: Family baking sessions are a holiday tradition for millions of people. Though that often leads to batches upon batches of tasty cookies, it also means families tend to have a surplus of holiday cookie cutters around the house.
Surplus cookie cutters tend to be discarded or relegated to the miscellaneous items drawer in kitchens, but a more awe-inspiring fate can await them. A coat of paint, some glitter and a little bit of string or twine is all families need to transform their extra cookie cutters into colorful tree ornaments.
Holiday decorating sessions can be made even more fun when families take time to craft some DIY decorations together.
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
Tom Tavolacci
Pam Bick
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
Jim Holman
Mike Fischer
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
Elyse Ruyle
Zach Schnare
Tonya Roberts
Drew McIntyre
Phillip Walker
Richard Dona
Matt Honnen
Marcus Groppel
Nathaniel Buhs
Ren Neal
Dakota Walling
Rayann Price
William Kloempken
Jimmie Overholtzer
Corey Roberson
Robert France
Bennett Hamberg
Benjamin Goble
Tracie Feig
Brittany Phelps
Amanda Jackson
Ryan Bennett
