In 1989, Bethalto Mayor William Stephenson convened a group of individuals from Bethalto to discuss an action plan for establishing an organization to promote and enhance the Village of Bethalto. The name Bethalto Spirit evolved as more than 100 people became volunteers in the original projects and programs. A “spirit of family in the community” was quickly recognizable.
Bethalto Spirit was incorporated as an organization in June of 1990. Attorney Kenneth Balsters served as the first president, a Board of Directors was named and nine committees were formed. They were each chaired by a board member. They were:
- Residential Development/Newcomer Group
- Educational Resource
- Existing Local Business Expansion and Development
- Town Center Group
- Recreational Resources
- Economic Development
- Physical Development
- Route 140 Parkway
- Beautification
Some of the more notable results of the Bethalto Spirit Organization were and are:
- The annual Victorian Christmas Walk.
- The development of the Bethalto Spirit Community Choir and Orchestra.
- “Spirit Awards”, given to businesses and home owners.
- The “Governor’s Hometown Award”, in 1992, by Governor Jim Edgar.
- Sponsorship of the Memorial Tree Program in Culp Lane Park, recently renamed Steve Bryant Park.
- Sponsorship of the Memorial Brick and Stone Courtyard project in front of the Village Hall at Prairie and Central Streets.
- An on-going sale of Bethalto Spirit afghans featuring historical homes and village buildings.
- Two recipients of the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award, awarded by the Illinois Humanities Council.
- Formation of “Summer Concerts in the Park”.
- A generous donation for a public restroom facility in Steve Bryant Park.
- Volunteer clean-ups and national accreditation of the Bethalto Arboretum through ArbNet.
- Creation of plant and tree identification project in the Arboretum using app technology.
- Bethalto Christmas Village
- Bethalto Market in the Park farmer’s and artisan’s market
Bethalto Spirit 