More than a 175 years ago the first settlers came to Alexandria, building a town on the promise of the Indiana central Canal. The canal was to be built from Fort Wayne to Southern Indiana. Within four years however, the railroads that stretched west had made the canal proposition obsolete, and Alexandria was left to make its way on its own merits.
The discovery of natural gas in 1887 changed Alexandria’s face – and fortunes – forever. Local businessmen were quick to jump on the bandwagon of the natural gas boom, and firms such as The Alexandria Company were formed. They offered free fuel, lights and location to manufacturers willing to locate in Alexandria, and boasted “gas enough to manufacture goods of the world.” The response was immediate.
The holiday spirit comes alive throughout the city. The annual Christmas Parade kicks off the season on Friday Dec 6th. This traditional evening parade highlights the businesses, public services, churches, and organizations of the community. The floats will be set to this year's theme "A Christmas Story-the movie". Our last entry in the parade is a gentleman from the North Pole, Santa Claus. After the parade, everyone comes to Harrison Park to visit with the "Jolly Ol' Elf" and listen to the holiday tunes played by the Alexandria Community Band. Saturday morning at the Alexandria Community Center is a chance to have "Breakfast with Santa". The Alexandria Public Library will have story time on Saturday afternoon for the children. Then at 7pm will be "Christmas at the Commons". This will be a Christmas Variety Show that will showcase the many talents of the residents. This will take place at the Commons Theatre on the corner of Canal and Church Streets
