Community News
Gillespie Council hikes base water rate, rescinds yard sale ordinance
Avery Bourne’s visit with the council sparked a brief spar with the city treasurer.
With two dissenting votes, the Gillespie City Council approved a $2.52 increase in the minimum fee for water users within the city limits on Wednesday, October 14 during the city’s regular monthly meeting. The council also rescinded a yard sale ordinance originally intended to limit the number of yard sales residents could host in a year, approved the purchase of a snow plow and salt spreader, and gave the Public Works Committee power to act on a project to replace a deteriorating culvert on Cedar Street.
[pullquote]The measure which is set to go into effect immediately[/pullquote]The water rate ordinance, presented by City Attorney Kevin Polo, increases the minimum charge for up to 1,000 gallons of monthly usage to $16.70 for water users who live within the city. City water users who live outside the city limits, however, are required to pay the base rate plus 50 percent of the rate, according to Polo – effectively increasing the base rate for those users by $3.78. Exempt from the rate hike are water users who live in East Gillespie and are billed by East Gillespie using rates established by contract with the City of Gillespie.
Aldermen Jim Alderson and Roger Diveley both voted against the measure which is set to go into effect immediately.
Council rescinds yard sale ordinance
On a motion by Alderman Frank Barrett, seconded by Diveley, the council voted unanimously to rescind a yard sale ordinance enacted four years ago, ostensibly to limit the number of yard sales homeowners could host on their property in a year. The ordinance was enacted originally in response to a resident who hosted an ongoing yard sale at his home – essentially operating a home-based business and creating a traffic hazard from cars parking at the side of the street. Ald. Steve Kluthe reported on a review of the old ordinance, and recommended reducing the fee for registering a yard sale from $10 to $5 and increasing to five the number of yard sales a resident could host. The alternative, he said, would be to rescind the ordinance entirely.
“I was against this when it was first brought up,” said Barrett. “I thought it was silly and I thought it penalized the whole town for what one person was doing.” He and Kluthe said other ordinances are in effect to prevent residents from operating an ongoing yard sale as a home business.
In a related matter, Kluthe addressed the issue of addressing residents who operate home-based businesses in violation of the city’s zoning ordinance. He said he had spoken with a resident who was operating a wood carving business out of his home and he believed the situation would be resolved. He urged other council members to talk to residents who appear to be operating unsanctioned home-based businesses. “Find out what their story is,” he said. “Don’t just go to them and say, ‘you can’t do that.’” Sometimes, he suggested, an alderman can help resolve the situation. “Half of our main street is empty,” he noted, suggesting that some home-based businesses could be encouraged to move into vacancies in the Gillespie business district.
Deteriorating culvert on Cedar Street
Council members referred to the Public Works Committee the issue of authorizing a project to replace a culvert on Cedar Street. Mayor John Hicks read bids from five contractors for a project to replace deteriorating culverts on Cedar Street and Wilson Street. Baxmeyer Construction of Waterloo was the low bidder with a price of $169,799.25.
“The biggest problem we have,” Hicks said, “is we only have $85,000 left” in Illinois Department of Transportation grant funds for the project. He added that Baxmeyer’s bid for the Cedar Street culvert alone amounted to $50,369 and could be covered with the remaining funds. Additionally, he said, the Cedar Street culvert was the worst of the two culverts slated for repair. Based upon that information, Ald. Dave Tucker, with a second from Ald. Jerry Dolliger, moved to authorize the Cedar Street project.
Treasurer Dan Fisher, however, noted there could be hidden costs associated with the Cedar Street repair.
[pullquote]The culvert is located close to a water line and sewer main, both of which will have to be moved as part of the project.[/pullquote]”There are other factors on Cedar Street that we need to be aware of,” Fisher said. The culvert is located close to a water line and sewer main, both of which will have to be moved as part of the project. Citing a letter from a letter from Roger Mensing of Curry and Associates Engineers, Fisher said it was unclear whether moving the water and sewer lines was part of Baxmeyer’s bid. “We could be talking about a fair amount of money,” Fisher noted.
Additionally, Hicks said, a residential driveway near the culvert also could be affected by the project and would have to be repaired.
“Let’s get Roger back in here and find out how much it’s going to cost,” Hicks said.
Following the discussion, Tucker revised his motion to give the Public Works Committee power to act on the contract when the committee meets in two weeks. Mensing is expected to attend that meeting to confirm the scope of work covered by Baxmeyer’s bid. Fisher said the bid itself should be good for 60 days.
Miscellaneous Items
In other action, the council unanimously approved the purchase of a snow plow and salt spreader from Carlinville Trucking Equipment for $12,782, the lower of two bids submitted for the equipment.
Council members took no definitive action on dealing with a privately owned water line on the southeast side of the city. The line reportedly was installed about 40 years ago by the late George Krainz and apparently runs the length of Clark Street to Macoupin Street. Russell Fredericks, who has since purchased the Krainz property, appeared before the council to ask the city to take over responsibility for the line. Two other homes between the Krainz property and Macoupin Street have taps onto the water line, and Fredericks said he has no interest in maintaining the line since he has torn down the house the water line once served.
“If something happens to it,” Fredericks said, “I am not going to do anything with it.” In that event, the only option for the city might be to disconnect the line at its Macoupin Street terminal, leaving the two other homeowners without water service.
Alderman Janice Weidner told Fredericks the city could not assume responsibility for the water line because it doesn’t meet EPA standards. If the city were to take over the line, she said, it would have to replace it with a new line and there currently is no money available for such a project.
“It needs to be redone,” Mayor Hicks agreed.
“It’s been good enough for you collect water bills off of for 40 years, but it’s not good enough for you to take over?” Fredericks asked.
“It’s below the minimum size required by EPA,” Fisher told Fredericks. EPA mandates a minimum four-inch main, which the water line in question is only one and one-half inches. If and when the city secures grant funding to replace water lines, Fisher noted, the two remaining homeowners could tap onto a new loop proposed to pass their residences. But a water line replacement project is a year or more in the future.
“If it breaks, somebody will have to fix it and I guess that will have to be us,” Hicks acknowledged. But after further discussion, he suggested that Fredericks sign over ownership of the line to the other two homeowners and let them assume responsibility until a project can be launched to replace water lines citywide.
“It’s not our water line,” Fisher said. “We didn’t put it in and we can’t take it over.”
A visit from State Rep. Avery Bourne earlier in the meeting sparked a brief sparring match between her and Fisher, who questioned the state’s withholding of motor fuel tax funds allocated to municipalities. Bourne said she was visiting all municipal government bodies in her district. “With the budget situation,” I think it’s important for you to know how to reach me regarding grants and so forth. I don’t foresee motor fuel tax funds being released anytime soon.”
Fisher noted that a percentage of motor fuel tax funds are collected for distribution to Illinois municipalities and cannot be used for other purposes. “Other people are getting paid,” he said. “Why are you guys monkeying with that money?”
Bourne, who was appointed to replace Wayne Rosenthal in the House of Representatives in February after Rosenthal was appointed as director of the Natural Resources Department, laid the blame at the feet of legislative leaders. “No money is being appropriated until all the money can be appropriated,” she said. While the Senate approved a bill to release motor fuel tax funds, she said, Gov. Bruce Rauner made it clear he would veto the legislation if the House sent it on to him. Some entities are being paid, she noted, because they went to court to get a court order. In the meantime, other funding, such as funding for 911 emergency phone systems, remain in limbo.
“Aren’t you in favor of 911 getting money?” Fisher asked.
“Of course, I’m for 911 getting money, but I’m also for responsible budgeting,” she said.
“It seems like a haphazard way of doing things,” Fisher continued.
“Absolutely,” said Bourne. “I think it is completely irresponsible for the leaders to not sit down and come up with a budget. You’re right. You’re completely right.”
“Being right doesn’t solve the problem,” Fisher countered.
“We have a spending problem,” Bourne asserted. “We have to fix our spending problem so that we are not spending more than our revenues. We have to do that before we can have a secure financial future.”
In other action, the council:
- Voted to revise the employee handbook to include a revised section on sexual harassment. The change was required for the city to continue to be eligible to apply for some federal grant funds.
- Revised the rental agreement for the Gillespie Civic Center to require renters who plan to sell alcohol during their event to secure a temporary license from the Illinois Liquor Commission. The change does not affect persons who rent the center for wedding receptions and other events where alcohol may be served but not sold. Those renters will still be required to be covered under the city’s Dram Shop insurance policy.
- Voted to start automatically paying routine utility bills–Ameren, Frontier, Flowers Sanitation–rather than waiting for approval from the full council in order to avoid the possibility of incurring late fees.
NEXT MEETING: The Gillespie City Council will meet again on November 9, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
