(Alexandria, MN) — November 26th,2022 — Alexandria kicked off the holiday season with something old, and something new. Friday, the public was invited to Christmas at the fort. This event has happened the Friday after Thanksgiving for decades. It was started by the Runestone Museum, and the Maritime Museum next door has joined the celebration. Hundreds of families came out to vote for their favorite Christmas Tree, visit with Santa and Mrs Claus, and enjoy friends and a cup of hot chocolate.
At 5:15pm, the giant light switch was thrown and downtown Alexandria’s Christmas lights came on. This has been the tradition for years.
In 2022 however, there is a new twist with with the addition of “Lights on Broadway” a lighted float parade that traveled down Broadway St. starting at about 6:00pm. Seventeen floats participated and all had lights.
The winners of the Judged competition are as follows:
Brightest Diplay – The award was given to R.O.A.R. (Runestone Off-Road ATV Riders)
Most Spirited Float — The award was given to the Alexandria Area High School Girls Basketball Team. Led by their hall of fame coach Wendy Kohler, the lady Cards were all singing at the top of their lungs down Broadway.
Both groups will receive $200 in Alexandria Chamber Bucks.
Special mentions go out to the city organizations: ALP Utlities and the Alexandria Fire Department for their amazing floats.
Honorable mention to Tradesman Construction.
It is believed that this will become an annual event in Alexandria in the coming years.
