Rock Spring Park
Nov. 27 - Dec. 27, 2020
M-F 6-9PM • S-S 5-9PM
$7 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.
Unfortunately this year because of the effects of the COVID pandemic, we have had to cut back on our celebration. To keep our grandpas, volunteers and visitors safe, there will be no displays, Enchanted Forest, Santa House or our popular walk-through night. We hope our visitors will understand and still enjoy the more than 2.5 million lights.
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, approximately 38,000 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
$50,000 to different organizations, charities and community projects.
More than 2.5 million lights await the public for viewing again this year, along with a few new displays and light creations using LEDs. Nights from Nov. 27 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 87.9 FM on your radio, and enjoy!
2020 Christmas Wonderland GRANDPA GANG MEMBERS
NOT PICTURED:
Rhonda Lewis
Christine Croxton
Tim Croxton
Harry Kulp
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dick Alford, President
Rhonda Lewis, Vice President
Ruthene Ele, Treasurer
Mike Haynes, Board Member
Al Cowgill, Board Member
Mildred Davis, Board Member
Tom Spahr, Board Member
Ken Aldridge, Board Member
Joseph Guccione
Pat Spahr
John Buchanan
This publication is created and produced by Interested in putting some of your free time to work and being in the beautiful outdoors? Call Dick Alford 618-781-2482 or Tom Spahr 618-259-7086 to become a member of the Grandpa Gang.
Bud Rain
TJ Thornton
Al Cowgill
Allan Watson
Bill Hiller
Bert Mary
Dick Alford
Gary Sanders
Jerry Oglesby
Jim Heinemann
Tom Spahr
Nathan Edsel
Will Patridge
George Winterberg
Ken Aldridge
Rich Freeman
Marvin Bock
Earl Gill
Robert Garrisson
David Davis
R L Christeson
John Scoggins
Phil Whitaker
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
• Evergreen Place
• Gent Funeral Home
• Global Brass
• Hamilton Fabricating
• Hayner Public Library
• Homestead Financial Mortgage
• John Hopkins Family
• 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.
• Tangled Tinsel Christmas Tree Farm
• 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
• Cub Scout Park 8001
• 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
• Life of Riley Resort
• Alton Optimists
• East End Improvement Association
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.
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.
Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tom Lane Ins and Fin Svcs Inc
Tom Lane, Agent
116 West Bethalto Blvd
Bethalto, IL 62010
Bus: 618-377-8912
Fax: 618-377-8914
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 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
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).
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
“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.
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
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,
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.
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.
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;
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; 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
“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.
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!
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, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, 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!
Renee
renee.manley.ceui@statefarm.com
Why are Christmas colors red and green?
Many people may not get in the holiday spirit without decorations and all the trimmings. Chances are strong that if you have containers full of items just waiting to see the light of day again this holiday season, those items are red or green or some combination thereof.
Red and green have become the traditional colors of Christmas, just as blue and white symbolizes Chanukah. But how did this color palette come to evolve?
Just like many traditions of Christmas, the red and green scheme has origins that pre-date the Christian celebration. Christmas has borrowed from many of the customs of winter solstice celebrations of ancient
peoples, including the Celts. Ancient Celtic people revered holly plants, believing they brought beauty and good fortune in the middle of winter — a time when the landscape is normally bleak and holly plants thrive and stand out. Celts would regularly bring in sprigs of holly and decorate their homes with the plants, which feature shiny, serrated leaves and bright, red berries, as a way to guarantee a prosperous new year. Holly also came to be associated with the crown of thorns Jesus Christ was forced to wear during his crucifixion. The custom of using red and green continued into the 14th century. Dr. Spike Bucklow, a research scientist at the University of Cambridge, says red and green also were used
to paint medieval rood screens, which were partitions installed in churches to separate the congregation from the priest and altar. Dr. Bucklow notes that Victorians also extended the association of these colors as a physical boundary to another boundary: the marking of the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one at Christmastime.
While red and green had associations with Christmas in early times through holly and other sources, the connection was perhaps best solidified thanks to a man named Haddon Sundblom. Sundblom was an artist commissioned in 1931 by the Coca-Cola company to create an image of Santa Claus for the company’s upcoming holiday ads. Until this point,
Extending the joys of the season to all who visit Christmas Wonderland
May the New Year bring a sense of happiness and normalcy to families young and old.
May the Lord bless the work of all in a common direction of love, sharing and respect!
The caring and giving members of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council
versions of Santa were rarely consistent, with his clothing vacillating between green, blue and red. He also wasn’t the plump, jolly fellow associated with Christmas as we know him today, but rather thin and elf-like. Sundblom portrayed him as a chubby man wearing red robes, likely as a nod to Coca-Cola’s own red logo, even though the company denies the connection. Santa was featured in front of a green background. The ads proved popular and Sundblom’s Santa became the preferred depiction. Santa’s red robes perfectly complemented the green background and other green components of the holiday, such as Christmas trees and holly, that already had been solidified as Christmas imagery.
Must-haves to achieve a holiday wonderland
The end of the year marks a period of heightened festivity. Come the holiday season, homes and businesses are decorated and everyone seems to have an extra spring in their step.
The sight of snowflakes, candy canes, evergreen wreaths, and Christmas trees can elicit nostalgia for happy holidays of the past, as well as excitement for what is yet to come. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, there are certain items that set the scene.
Christmas trees: Germany is credited with starting the modern Christmas tree tradition. It dates back to the 16th century when devout Christians brought trees into their homes and decorated them. German settlers brought Christmas tree traditions to America upon their arrival in Pennsylvania in the 19th century.
Mistletoe: Mistletoe is known as the “kissing plant” and it
is customary for couples to kiss while standing beneath the plant, typically hung in doorways and arches. Mistletoe was once hung to drive off evil spirts and ensure fertility. Kissing under the mistletoe was first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites.
Lights: Lights are commonly seen during the holiday season. The custom of having holiday lights dates back to when Christmas trees were decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. These traditions evolved from pagan rituals that would celebrate the return of light of the sun as the days grow longer after the winter solstice.
Yule log: Many families burn a yule log in the fireplace and watch it burn while listening to Christmas carols. The familiar custom of burning the log dates back to solstice
celebrations and the tradition of bonfires. The Christmas tradition called for burning a portion of the log each evening until Twelfth Night, also known as the Epiphany, which takes place on January 6.
Poinsettias: Poinsettias are a tropical plant that originated in Mexico. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first Ambassador from the United States to Mexico. He became enamored with the plants, and brought them back to his native South Carolina. An old Mexican legend suggests a poor girl had nothing to offer baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services, so she picked a handful of weeds and put them at the bottom of the nativity scene. These weeds burst into bright red flowers and became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”
Holiday decorations borrow traditions from all over the world to help establish a festive wonderland.
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
Teresa Klos
Tony Michelon Jr
David Chandler
Brent Cleveland
Paul Coleman
Kelsey Murphy
Bryan Collins
Mike Jacober
Jacob Rau
Rachel Dooling
Tony Schomburg
Bob Schuman
Tony Skalnican
Sylvia Skinner
Bobbi Steinkuehler
Cindy Edwards
Fred Steinmann
Kelly Freeman
Danny VanMeter
Rudy Goheen
Becky Wayman
Curtis Winder
Sally Woolsey
Bob Hausman
Shannon Hedin
Jim Holman
Mike Fischer
Ralph Hall
Sean Cobb
Dennis Gobble
Jeremy Judge
Tomas Lira
Bob Reynolds
Travis Reynolds
Je rey Eby
Ryan Field
Patrick Havlin
Terry Lockyer
Alexander Taylor
Paul Butler
Andrew Goeken
Paul Hull
Tamara Sherrill
Juan Fernandez
Tim Lane
Elyse Ruyle
Zach Schnare
Marcus Watson
Tonya Roberts
Joseph Edwards
Drew McIntyre
Phillip Walker
Austin Melbourne
Sommer Morgan
omas Jordan
Richard Dona
Matt Honnen
Tomas Lira lll
