Vacationer - Winter 2022

Express Care

Everyone knows, health issues don’t limit them selves to weekdays Which is why we don’t either

Thanks to our Saturday, Sunday and evening hours, when your daughter spikes a fever or your husband has a fishhook mishap, you’ve got a local option for care other than needing the emergency room.

During this time of extreme precaution, try using our virtual visit options through MyChart

If you still need to be seen by a provider in person, please call in advance

Whatever your needs, we’re here for you all week long, and all weekend too!

AlomereHealth com/AlexClinic

ACTIVITIES

Douglas

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Blizzard hockey

Central

Central

Evansville

OUTDOORactivities

Along with winter comes a whole new season of outdoor fun. The

Alexandria lakes area offers a variety of fun outdoor activities for people of all ages. Here are just some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy in Douglas County this winter:

DOWNHILL SKIING, TUBING, SNOWBOARDING, SNOWSHOEING

Andes Tower Hills, located about 15 miles west of Alexandria, has 15 downhill ski runs ranging from beginner to expert, as well as facilities for tubing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Ski and snowboard lessons, a racing program, an after-school ski program, lodging, equipment rentals and a pro shop are also available. The chalet features a large-screen TV, a gas fireplace, and the Whispering Pines Grill, which serves burgers, chili, soups and gourmet pizza.

There are 15 downhill runs for skiers at Andes: four easy hills that include the Bunny Hill, five intermediate and five difficult runs,

as well as one expert run. Crosscountry skiing has 800 acres of scenic trails packed and groomed on a regular basis. Lighted trails and a 2.3K snowshoe-only trail are also available.

Tubing is available and is recommended for those 4 years of age or older and 42 inches tall.

For more information, call (320) 965-2455 or visit the Andes website at www.andestowerhills.com.

Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 7 and go about two miles, turn left on County Road 107 and go about two miles to the entrance.

SNOWMOBILING

There are 368 miles of snowmobile trails in Douglas County, which connect many of the communities in the area and connect to trails in surrounding counties as well.

For more information about area snowmobile trails, visit www. douglasareatrails.com.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Local cross-country ski trails are located as follows:

Lake Carlos State Park* has six miles of groomed trails and a warming house. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. A ski trail pass is required, and can be purchased at the park or online. Take State Highway 29 north of Alexandria 10 miles, turn left onto County Road 38 and go two miles to the park entrance.

Kensington Rune Stone Park* near Kensington has 10.5 miles of groomed and slotted trails and a warming house. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., seven days a week. Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about 13 miles, turn left onto County Road 103 and go about one mile to the park entrance.

Spruce Hill Park* near Miltona has four miles of groomed and slotted trails. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Take State Highway 29 north of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 5, travel about 5 miles east on County Road 5 and turn left on County Road 105, then go about one-half mile to the park entrance.

Andes Tower Hills, about 15 miles west of Alexandria, has about nine

miles (15K) of trails, some of which are lit at night. Call (320) 9652455 or visit the Andes Tower Hills website at www.andestowerhills. com for more information. Take State Highway 27 west of Alexandria about nine miles, turn right onto County Road 7 and go about two miles, turn left on County Road 107 and go about two miles to the entrance.

Arrowwood Resort near Alexandria has several miles of privately groomed cross-country ski and snowshoeing trails. Call (320) 762-1124 for information. Take County Road 82 west of Alexandria, turn right at County Road 22 (at stoplight), go about two miles and turn right onto County Road 104.

Lake Brophy Park at 1900 Brophy Park Road NW in Alexandria has groomed cross-country ski trails. Go west of Alexandria on County Highway 82 approximately three-and-a-half miles to the park entrance.

*State cross-country ski permits are required for anyone age 16 and older who uses any public ski trail, including those at Lake Carlos State Park, Kensington Runestone Park and Spruce Hill Park. Permits are $10 per day. Season passes are $25; a three-year pass is $70.

Ski passes are valid for use in all Minnesota county and state parks and can be purchased by self-registration at state parks, at the Minnesota License Bureau at the Douglas County Services Center, at any business that sells hunting and fishing licenses, by phone at 888-665-4236 or at the Minnesota DNR online license website at www. wildlifelicense.com.

*Note: State park visitors also must have a vehicle permit.

SLEDDING & TOBOGGANING

Kensington Runestone Park near Kensington has a toboggan hill and warming house. The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Take Highway 27 west of Alexandria about 13 miles, turn left onto County Road 103 and go about one mile to the entrance.

Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center’s Snow Center has a sledding hill for all ages. Small children must be accompanied by an adult and all must sign in at the Snow Center, which opens daily at 9 a.m.

Lake Brophy Park at 1900 Brophy Park Road NW in Alexandria has a groomed sledding hill. Go west of Alexandria on County Highway 82 approximately three-and-a-half miles to the park entrance.

BLIZZARDhockey

If you have a hankerin’ for hockey, then the NA3HL Alexandria Blizzard action is for you! Competing in the West Division along with the Granite City Lumberjacks, Mason City Toros, Minnesota Loons, Willmar WarHawks and New Ulm Steel, the Blizzard offers USA Hockeysanctioned Tier III Junior hockey entertainment throughout the winter.

The North American 3 Hockey League (3HL) is one of six leagues serving as some of the top training grounds in the country available to studentathletes, providing them with more opportunities to advance to college and pro hockey.

Players are able to compete in front of the entire junior, college and professional scouting

TURKEY 5KS for everyone

The weather outside might be frightful, but you can still head out for an invigorating run on Thursday, Nov. 24.

The Alexandria Area YMCA will hold its annual Turkey Day 5K at 8 a.m. which begins and ends at the Alexandria Area YMCA.

A perfect event for the whole family, strollers are allowed and children are welcome to ride their bikes in this 5K. It’s a great way to start a new tradition!

New this year will be a Wildfire onsite sauna and bonfire for participants to warm up before or after the race.

Also on Nov. 24, at 9 a.m., O-Town Tavern in Osakis will hold its ninth annual Turkey Dash for Diabetes 5K.

Action begins downtown at 8:30 a.m. with the half-mile Kids Run, followed by the 5K race at 9 a.m.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the O-Town Tavern.

All of the proceeds go to support local campers attending Camp Needlepoint based out of Hudson, Wisconsin.

community as they fine-tune their skills.

Highly competitive, 3HL hockey, and the Alexandria Blizzard in particular, provides exceptional hockey entertainment for spectators beginning in September and continuing through March.

The Blizzard play their home games at the Runestone Community Center, located at the Douglas County Fairgrounds at 802 Third Ave. West, Alexandria, just off County Road 82.

Tickets available online at alexandriablizzard.com/tickets. For more information, call 320460-2127.

DOUGLAS COUNTYTrails Association

Minnesota has more than 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails that criss-cross its forests, prairie, hills and lakes.

These trails, which are often maintained through a partnership between local clubs, trail users and the state, make Minnesota a popular snowmobiling destination.

Here in Douglas County, it’s just as wonderful for snowmobilers. There is breathtaking scenery – from open flatlands to heavily wooded, hilly terrain – on 368 miles of Douglas Area Trails Association (DATA) snowmobile trails. These trails wind throughout the county, connecting every community in the area and providing connections to trails in surrounding counties as well.

The DATA trails also include part of the Central Lakes Trail, the abandoned Burlington-Northern railway that has been transformed into a paved four-season recreational trail. The 55-mile Central Lakes Trail connects the communities of Evansville, Brandon, Garfield, Alexandria, Nelson and Osakis.

The Central Lakes Trail also connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail, which extends from Osakis to St. Joseph near St. Cloud. Together, the two trail

systems are about 120 miles long and extend from Fergus Falls to St. Joseph.

DATA is a non-profit corporation sponsored by Douglas County to build and maintain recreational trails. Trails are groomed twice per week when needed.

Years ago, there were few places in Douglas County to snowmobile safely. Lakes and ditches were about the only option available until DATA was formed in 1974.

The association built the first trail that year (15 miles) with help from private landowners, business people and residents, and by 1975, it had a total of 80 miles. The system grew by leaps and bounds, expanding to 270 miles by 1978.

The organization was started by a small group of snowmobile enthusiasts who wanted to promote safe snowmobiling in Douglas County.

More than 500 landowners have given permission for trails to cross their property. Without their cooperation, there wouldn’t be a trail system.

For more information, visit the DATA website at www.douglasareatrails.com.

AREA ICE fishing

With about 300 lakes in the Douglas County area, fishing is quite a popular activity. And not just in the summertime. Winter has many anglers finding themselves out on the ice, whether in a portable fish house, a premium ice house complete with stove, refrigerator and bunks for sleeping or just simply in the elements sitting on a five-gallon bucket.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ice fishing has increasingly become a popular sport but there are inherent dangers with changing ice conditions and propane heater carbon monoxide concerns, to name a couple.

If you have never ice fished before, it might be a good idea to talk to experts at a local bait shop, chat with a friend who knows a thing or two about the sport or check out the DNR’s website, dnr. state.mn.us/gofishing/learn-ice-fish. html.

One of the most important things to remember about ice fishing is to make sure the ice is safe. The ice needs to be at least 4 inches thick to safely be on it and ice fish. In order to drive on the ice with a small car or pickup truck, the ice should be 8-12 inches and between 12-15 inches for a medium-sized pickup truck.

Other tips provided by the DNR include the following:

Use the DNR’s LakeFinder, which has information on not only lakes in the Alexandria area, but more than 4,000 other lakes in Minnesota.

Dress in layers if you’re planning on fishing in the elements and not in a fish house. Be sure to have a couple layers of clothing, maybe some snow pants or bibs, insulated socks and boots, hat, gloves and warm coat.

Rent before you buy. There are places where anglers can rent an ice fishing house to try it out first instead of making such a large investment.

Know what the ice fishing requirements are. There are several ways to access them, including mobile apps, online or download a copy from the DNR website.

Early and late in the day – think sunrise and sunset – are great times to ice fish as the fish are often on the move. Early and late season can also be productive as oxygen levels are highest and fish adjust to changing seasons.

Ice fishing doesn’t require a large initial investment – unless you go ahead and decide to buy a fish house right away. For the most part, all you need is a short rod designed for ice fishing, lures, bait and a hand auger, which are fairly affordable.

If you decide that ice fishing is your sport, then you might want to make some bigger purchases, such as a power auger, sonar unit and of course, a premium ice house.

For more information on ice fishing, check the DNR’s website.

CENTRAL LAKES Symphony Orchestra

A community organization based in Alexandria and dedicated to enriching the lives of audience members through its beautiful orchestra music, the Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra is an organization more than 50 members strong. The orchestra, led by Alexandria Area High School Director of Orchestras Brad Lambrecht, gives musicians a venue to participate in serious music with a symphony orchestra and helps to give back to the community through donations and student scholarships.

For more information or to find the most up-to-date concert schedule, visit www.centrallakessymphony.org.

The CLSO mailing address is 1210 Broadway Street, Suite 240, PMB 105, Alexandria, MN 56308.

Here’s a look at the 2022-23 concert schedule:

THAT SONG CALLED LIFE

Sunday, December 4 at 2 p.m.

Performing Arts Center, AAHS

Sponsored by Cleone Sherman and Lee Doering

Joan Tower – Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman

Johann Baptist Vanhal – Double Bass Concerto in D Major Jennifer Higdon – Blue Cathedral

FIRE AND PASSION! (student collaboration)

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Performing Arts Center, AAHS

Sponsored by Tom and Linda Akenson, and Sanford Health Edward Elgar – Enigma Variations

Georges Bizet – Carmen Suite Manuel De Falla – Ritual Fire Dance

THE ANIMATED ORCHESTRA

Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 2 p.m.

Performing Arts Center, AAHS

Sponsored by Alomere Health, and Kirk and Jane Landman

Gioachino Rossini – The Barber of Seville Overture

Johannes Brahms – Hungarian Dances No 5 & 6

Gregory Smith – The Animated Orchestra

BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO 9

Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Performing Arts Center, AAHS

Sponsored by Lake Ida Paradise and Soderholm Oral Surgery & Implants

Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 9

Featuring CLSO Chorale

CHAMBER CONCERT

Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 7 p.m. Discovery Middle School, Alexandria Sponsored by Echo Press

TICKET INFO

General admission tickets – good for any concert of the season – may be purchased for $20 for adults, $5 for students ages 6 to 18 and free for children 0 to 5. Season tickets are $80. Tickets can be purchased online, at the door the day of the concert or one month prior to the concert at Cherry Street Books, 503 Broadway Street in Alexandria.

Uniqueexperiencesawait!

DOUGLAS COUNTY Library

room with Smart Board,a large meeting room with Smart Board, a medium meeting room and a study room.

The library

as well as many other services, including newspapers, audio books, DVDs, downloadable e-books, periodicals, book/CD sets, compact discs, large print materials, paperbacks and book club kits

It also offers several different rooms, including a computer lab, two quiet rooms, a small conference

Several services are also available for a minimal fee, including selfserve photocopies, computer lab photocopies, fax services, meeting and conference rooms rentals and proctoring.

Several events are being planned at the Douglas County Library, including the following:

SEPTEMBER

Let’s Talk Plants: Preserving the harvest – Sept. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Library Book Club – Sept. 14 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Writer’s Group (for adults) – Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friends of the Library Book Club –Sept. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Let’s Talk Plants: Putting your garden to bed – Sept. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to

12:30 p.m. OCTOBER

YA Book Club – Oct. 7 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.

Library Book Club – Oct. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Writer’s Group (for adults) – Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friends of the Library Book Club –Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

NOVEMBER

YA Book Club – Nov. 4 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.

Library Book Club – Nov. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Writer’s Group (for adults) – Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friends of the Library Book Club –Nov. 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

DECEMBER

YA Book Club – Dec. 2 from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.

Library Book Club – Dec. 14 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Friends of the Library Book Club –Dec. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

More events may be added to the calendar, so check out the library’s website at douglascountylibrary. org for up-to-date information. For more information about the library in general, visit the website or call 320-762-3014.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

Take a trip back through history when you visit downtown Alexandria. The town and merchants who populate the downtown stores take pride in Alexandria’s legacy and are dedicated to making your visit memorable.

Formed in 1967, the Alexandria Downtown Merchants Association (ADMA) strives to strengthen the attractiveness of downtown for Alexandria shoppers, residents, visitors and business owners alike,

while being recognized as a destination and a source of true value in the community.

From Third to Eighth Avenue, downtown Alexandria brims with history reaching back to the 1800s and is home to popular shopping destinations such as antique shops, unique boutiques, gift shops, eateries, museums and theater.

ADMA is the largest retail organization in Alexandria. Its focus is to leverage the individual resources of small businesses to

promote downtown Alexandria with a unified intensity.

The group organizes projects and events that take place downtown, while paying special attention to the beauty and aesthetic appeal of the downtown area.

One of ADMA’s special touches is the flower baskets that hang downtown in the summer.

Here’s a peek at some of the happenings that are planned in Historic Downtown Alexandria in the coming months:

Shoppers on the Hunt: Nov. 4-6

Christmas in the Fort: Nov. 25

Small Business Saturday: Nov. 26

Christmas Event: Dec. 3

Events are subject to change (Check downtownalexandria.com for updates.)

CENTRAL LAKES CONCERTAssociation

The Central Lakes Concert Association (CLCA) was formed in 1983 with the goal of offering an expanded program of quality concerts affordable to the general public. The annual membership allows members to attend all concerts in Alexandria, as well as concerts presented by the Sauk Centre, Ortonville/Milbank, Brainerd, Fergus Falls and Wadena concert associations.

All concerts take place at the Performing Arts Center at the Alexandria Area High School, 4300 Pioneer Road, Alexandria.

For more information on the Central Lakes Concert Association, call Randy

Morken, president, at 320-491-6308 or visit www.concertassociation.net.

CONCERT SELECTIONS FOR THE 2022-2023 SEASON

All shows are at 7:30 p.m. for the following performances: Dec. 1 – Brancy and Dugan, music from the post-war world Feb. 17 – Travis Anderson Trio, familiar program of 60s TV theme music, Disney and pops/jazz standards March 28 – The Everly Set, a tribute to the Everly Brothers May 4 – Troupe Vertigo, dynamic L.A. based circus-dance-theater ensemble

EVANSVILLEArt Center

Home to the Evansville Arts Coalition, the Evansville Art Center has been serving the people of Evansville and surrounding communities with arts programming since 1995.

First organized in 1995 and incorporated as a Minnesota nonprofit in 1996, the Evansville Art Center is located at 111 Main Street in Evansville and is housed in the second oldest building in Evansville. Twice a drug store and cafe, the building now serves as an exhibit space, a music venue and a place for artists-in-residence to sell their work.

Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit evansvilleartcenter.org or call (218) 948-2787 for more information.

ALEXANDRIA AREA ARTS Association

Broadway in Alexandria, as well as the annual two-day Art in the Park held at Alexandria City Park. For information, visit www.andriatheatre.org.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

The Sound of Music – Performances will take place Dec. 8-11 and 15-18. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m.

FIRE PITProductions

Fire Pit Productions was started in 2018 by Quincy Roers. Excited by the idea to push local theater to new levels, Roers proposed using the stage at Lakes Area Theatre for small production plays. The idea was supported by local actors interested in providing the community with edgy, thought-provoking stage plays.

For more information, visit lakesareatheatre.com/firepit or email lakesareatheatre@gmail.com.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Dec 2-3 and Dec 8-10 at 7 p.m. –Sorry! Wrong Chimney!, stage play

ALEXANDRIA Art Guild

LAKES AREATheatre

Lakes Area Theatre performs its shows before a live audience on the second Friday of every month at 7 p.m. They also record the stories, edit them and then play them on a network of radio stations and on the Lakes Area Theatre website.

The theater is located at their new location, 4133 Iowa Street in Alexandria.

You can find the most up-to-date information on performances

by visiting the Lakes Area Theatre’s website at www.lakesareatheatre. com or by calling 320- 815-7664.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Radio shows are on the following dates: Nov. 11 and Dec. 16.

The Alexandria Art Guild is a non-profit organized in support of the visual arts in the Alexandria community. Artists and art lovers meet monthly on the third Wednesday of each month. The annual Art deTour held mid-June invites the public to visit the artists in their studios and shop a wide array of original art. For information and to see member artists visit www.alexart.org or email alexartguild@gmail.com.

ART DETOUR

Art deTour is a multilocation weekend art tour with two or more artists at each location. Along with their art for sale, many artists will be demonstrating their craft. There is no charge to attend

the tour.

The 2022 Art deTour took place Friday-Sunday, June 17-19.

OTHER EVENTS

Saturday Art Market will take place every Saturday beginning May 28 and running through the end of September from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Big Ole Central Park. There will be art, music, kid activities, theater, food and more.

The Wine, Ale and Art Crawl took place July 29 in select downtown Alexandria locations. The event is a fun opportunity to support downtown business and local artists. Sample a variety of spirits and shop for unique, one-of-a-kind items in downtown Alexandria.

Perhaps one of the most eyecatching landmarks in Alexandria is Big Ole – a 28-foot tall Viking statue that stands at the north end of Broadway, along Second Avenue. Born in 1965, the Viking has become a much-beloved resident in the lakes area.

The idea for the statue began in January of 1964 when North Star World’s Fair Corporation in Osseo began working on an addition to the Minnesota display for the New York World’s Fair. The display was to feature the historical Kensington Runestone in an animated scene titled “Minnesota, Birthplace of America.” The new item to coincide with this display was the 28-foot, four-ton Viking statue.

Big Ole was created by fiberglass sculptor Gordon Schumaker of Minneapolis in April of 1965 and was transported to New York just in time for the World’s Fair. When the fair ended, Big Ole was moved to Alexandria, where he stands today.

Originally placed at the north end of Broadway Street in front of the Runestone Museum, Big Ole was

moved from the intersection of 3rd and Broadway to a new location one-half block north in 1980 to make way for a new stoplight. He was moved once more in 2002 to his current location at the head of the Central Lakes Trail on the south shore of Lake Agnes.

Throughout the years, Big Ole has had several repairs made and new coats of paint applied. And, his beard has changed from gray to yellow to brown.

Locals and visitors alike can stop by Big Ole and take a selfie using the Big Ole webcam that is found on the ALP Utilities website – www. alputilities.com/big-ole-webcam/.

It’s a fun way to get a group shot with the 28-foot fiberglass statue located in Big Ole Central Park. Once you open the website on your cell phone, just take a screenshot to capture you, your group and the famous Viking statue. You must use Firefox, Safari or Edge browsers. Chrome currently does not work with the ALP camera, which is mounted on the pole in front of Big Ole.

COME WORSHIP WITH US LAKES AREA CHURCHES WELCOME YOU

ALEXANDRIA UNITED METHODIST

2210 Sixth Ave. E.,Alexandria 320-763-4624 / alexumc.org

Pastors: Amy VanValkenburg-Dinkel Worship Services: Sunday 9am School/Adult Discipleship: Sunday School 10am, Adult Discipleship at 10am (Sept - June)

CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH

605 Douglas Street, Alexandria 320-763-5178 / www.calvaryalex.org

Pastors: Hans Dahl & Angie Larson Worship Services: Sundays 8:30am Traditional; 10:30am Modern (Memorial Day - Labor Day outdoors at Luther Crest Bible Camp) Watch on demand at www.calvaryalex.org KXRA radio at 10:30am on Sundays

Public Access TV channel 181 at 9:30am on Sundays

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

221 Seventh Ave. W., Alexandria 320-763-3341 / firstcongregationaluccalex.com

Reverend: Dr. Jill Sanders Worship Service: Sunday 10 am Service on Youtube: First Congregational UCC Alexandria, MN

Sunday Worship Radio Rebroadcast: KXRA First Sunday of the month 11 am Communion second Sunday of the month

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH(ELCA)

1655 18th Ave. E. and S. McKay, Alexandria 320-762-2196 www.firstlutheranalexandria.com

Pastors: PJ Malin, Judy Holmen, Tom Kolden Worship Services: Sundays: 8:30 am Traditional Facebook Live on Sundays at 8:30 am KXRA radio at 10am Sundays

Public Access TV Channel 181 at 10:45 am daily

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN (LCMS)

2702 Hwy. 29 N., Alexandria 320-762-5152 / goodshepherdalex.com

Pastor: James Walberg Worship Service: Sunday 9am Bible Study & Sunday School: 10:15 am Holy Communion first and second Sunday of the month

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH 1704 Hazel Hill Road, Alexandria 320-763-4393 / gracechurch-alexandria.com

Interim Pastor: Wendell Wahlin Worship Service: Sunday 10:15 am Children’s Church: Sunday 10:35 am Sunday School: Sunday 9 am (Sept - May)

LAKE COMMUNITY CHURCH 490 Voyager Dr., Alexandria 320-762-5424 / lakecommunity.org

Pastor: Jon Ewton Worship Service: Sunday 9 am & 10:30am Kids Ministry: Sunday 9 am & 10:30am

NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN 1910 Co Rd 82 SE, Alexandria 320-763-7051 / www.your-newlife.com

Pastor: John Taplin Worship Services: Sundays 9 am & 10:30 am Youth Programming: KidZone/Sunday School 10:30 am AWANA Wednesdays at 6:25 pm, Jr High Youth Wednesdays at 6:30, High School Ministry Sundays at 6:30 pm

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

300 Lake St., Alexandria 320-763-4842 / zionalex.org

Pastors: Paul Dare, Donald Wilke & Matt Lorenz Praise Worship: 2nd Sunday 8 am, 3rd Sunday 10:00 am Holy Communion: 1st & 3rd Sunday 8 am, 2nd & 4th Sunday 10:00am

To be included, please call Kate 320.763.1203

Noonan Park in Alexandria is the site of the city’s outdoor public skating rink. The rink is regularly maintained, has a warming house and is lit for night skating. The park is generally open for skating around Dec. 20, or whenever there is 8 inches of ice. Hours for the rink and warming house are Monday through Friday, 3 to 9:30 p.m. and weekends and vacation days, 1 to 9:30 p.m. The rink is closed daily from 5 to 6 p.m. There is no charge to skate. Located on the east side of Alexandria off of Nokomis Street and between Ninth and 10th Avenues.

For the first time, an outdoor skating area will be offered at Big Ole Park, which officials hope to have open by Nov. 25. There will just be open

skating, with no hockey/broomball or other play allowed. There will not be a warming house, but the restrooms next to Big Ole will remain open from 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m. There will be benches, and the area will be lit up until about 9:30 p.m., which coincides with regular park hours.

Indoor skating is offered at the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria. Cost is $2 per session. Children age 6 and younger can skate free. Season passes are also available. For more information call 320-763-4466. Located at 1002 Third Avenue West in Alexandria.

Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center has skating on Lake Darling, in front of the townhomes.

HISTORY OFDouglas County

The first settlements in Douglas County were established in 1858, the same year that Minnesota became a state.

The area was a wilderness of woods, prairies and lakes and was home to Dakota and Chippewa Indians. Archeologists date the earliest bones and artifacts found in area burial sites as being more than 2,000 years old.

The Red River Trail, used by early pioneers and wagon trains, passed through the area to Fort Abercrombie in North Dakota. In the summer of 1858, brothers Alexander and William Kinkead established a settlement along the shore of Lake Agnes, built a log cabin and hotel, and named the area “Alexandria.”

A mail route was set up between St. Cloud and Fort Abercrombie, and government troops cut a road from Fort Snelling to Abercrombie, which allowed for a stage line and increasing numbers of new settlers. In 1862, news arrived that the Dakota were forming war parties. Many settlers headed east to safety, while others combined forces to defend their property. The Dakota uprising was too powerful, however, and the settlements were abandoned.

Months later, settlers returned to the county and soldiers arrived to build a stockade in Alexandria for protection. Treaties were later signed with the Dakota, and by 1866, things had calmed and the soldiers left. That same year, Douglas County’s boundaries were officially set. The county was named for Senator Stephen Douglas, a statesman and leader in the Democratic Party who helped with its establishment.

A government land office was set up in Alexandria. With the signing of the Homestead Act by President Lincoln, a surge of European immigrants and Civil War veterans came. Within seven years, almost all tillable land was claimed.

In 1878, the railroad was connected from Melrose to Alexandria and, the next year, to Brandon and Evansville. Several cities in the county were started along the steam locomotive line, including Nelson and Garfield. Eventually, the Soo Line crossed the county, and more towns, including Kensington, Forada, Carlos and Miltona, popped up. The new rail line allowed tourists and sportsmen easy access to the area, and the wealth of fish and game made the area a popular vacation spot.

DOUGLAS COUNTY HISTORICALSociety

Interested in local history? Visit the Douglas County Historical Society and take a guided tour of the famous Knute Nelson house, home of one of Alexandria’s most famous residents. Nelson, who served the people of Minnesota in public office for more than 50 years, was elected to the Minnesota Legislature, and served two terms in the U.S. Congress before becoming the state’s first foreign-born governor. He then served in the U.S. Senate for 28 years.

Nelson claimed a homestead in Alexandria in 1871 and built a small house on the property in 1874. As his political career progressed, he made additions to the house, adding a formal living room and large bedroom in 1900 and a dining room and kitchen on the main floor and four more bedrooms on the second story in 1915.

Nelson died in 1923. His will stated that following the death of his daughter, Ida, the house was to be given to the Norwegian Lutheran Church as a “home for the aged.” It served in that capacity for 38 years.

In 1978, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On October 1, 1987, the “Knute Nelson House” became the headquarters of the Douglas County Historical Society.

The Douglas County Historical Society is located at 1219 Nokomis St. in Alexandria. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., guided house tours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call 320762-0382 or visit www.dchsmn.org.

NOVEMBER

CALENDAR of Events

19 - 7-9 p.m. Branden and James, Cello And Vocals, Central Square, Glenwood 25 - Christmas in the Fort, Downtown Alexandria 26 - 12-6 p.m. Minnesota Made Christmas Market, Carlos Creek Winery

DECEMBER

1- 7:30 p.m. Brancy and Dugan, music from the post-war world, Central Lakes Concert Association, AAHS Performing Arts Center 2 - 6-9 p.m. Holiday Light Parade, Downtown Osakis 2-3 - 7 p.m. Sorry! Wrong Chimney! Fire Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 3 - Christmas Event, Downtown Alexandria 3 - 11 a.m. Holiday Tables Luncheon, Alexandria Senior Center, call to reserve 3 - 7 p.m. Ringin’ and Swingin’: The George Maurer Group Holiday Show, AAHS Performing Arts Center 4 - 2 p.m. Central Lakes Symphony Orchestra: “That Song Called Life,” Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center 8-10 - 7 p.m. Sorry! Wrong Chimney! Fire Pit Productions, Lakes Area Theatre 8 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 9 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 10 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 11 - 2 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 11 - 3-5 p.m. Mason Dixon Line, A Kickin’ Country Christmas, Central Square, Glenwood 15 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 16 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 17 - 7:30 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre 18 - 2 p.m. The Sound of Music, Andria Theatre

JANUARY

11 - 1 p.m. Douglas County Library book club 26 - 7 p.m. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Andria Theatre 27 - 7 p.m. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Andria Theatre 28 - 7 p.m. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Andria Theatre 29 - 2 p.m. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Andria Theatre 30 - 5 p.m. Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce annual celebration

ONGOINGEvents

Blizzard Hockey: September-March Runestone Community Center, Alexandria www.alexandriablizzard.com

Photography Workshops: First Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com

First Friday Concerts: First Friday of each month March-Dec., 7 to 9 p.m. Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com

Open Mic Nights:

Third Thursday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. March-December Evansville Arts Center www.evansvilleartcenter.com

Live music: Year round: Fridays & Saturdays 6-9 p.m. in the brewery Saturday 2-5 p.m. in the winery Carlos Creek Winery, Alexandria 320-846-5443 www.carloscreekwinery.com

ALEXANDRIA AREA LAKES

AARON

Size: 610 acres Depth: 16 feet

Features: Shallow with sandy beaches. Public access: South end off Lakes Rd.

AGNES

Size: 137 acres Depth: 31 feet

Features: Fishing pier in City Park.

Public access: City-owned access on southwest end off Agnes Blvd.; Fishing pier on North end in Alexandria City Park.

Named for early settler Will Kinkead’s girlfriend who lived out East.

ANDREW

Size: 922 acres Depth: 83 feet

Features: Sandy beaches, spring-fed, popular recreational lake.

Public access: Southeast side off Co. Rd. 28 and Lake Andrew Rd.

Named for first physician in Alexandria.

BLACKWELL

Size: 307 acres Depth: 42 feet

Public access: East side off Country Ln. Named for early settler of Holmes City.

BROPHY

Size: 296 acres Depth: 44 feet

Features: Island, sandy beaches. Public access: Northwest shore off Co. Rd. 82 and Brophy Lane. Named for Brophy family, early residents.

BURGEN Size: 174 acres Depth: 43 feet

Features: Small, steeply sloped shoreline. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 23. Named for William Burgen, who lived on the southwest shore in 1869.

CARLOS

Size: 2,605 acres Depth: 163 feet

Features: Access to chain of lakes, clear, deep. Public accesses: North shore in state park off Co. Rd. 38; northeast shore near state park off Co. Rd. 38; west shore off Co. Rd. 11; east shore off Prairie Rd. and E. Lake Carlos Dr. Reports vary, but one story is that lakes L’Homme Dieu and Carlos were named by an early settler in honor of two friends at West Point Academy.

AREA LAKE

Although the size, depth and location of this mythical lake are unknown, anglers continue to report it as the home of the large fish they catch.

CHIPPEWA

Size: 1,185 acres Depth: 95 feet

Features: Deep, headwaters of Chippewa River. Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 12. Named for Native Americans.

CHRISTINA

Size: 3,971 acres Depth: 14 feet Features: Large, shallow.

Public access: Southwest end off Co. Rd. 82. Named for the Queen of Sweden.

COWDRY

Size: 242 acres Depth: 52 feet Features: Small, clear.

Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 82 and E. Lake Cowdry Rd. Named for Samuel Cowdry, an early settler.

CROOKED

Size: 281 acres Depth: 35 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its contour.

DARLING

Size: 1,050 acres Depth: 62 feet Features: Water access to chain of lakes. Public access: Access by water from Lake Carlos. Named for Andrew Darling who settled in the area in 1860.

DEVILS

Size: 233 acres Depth: 35 feet Features: Spring-fed, sandy beaches, connects to county park.

Public access: Chippewa Park; North side off Co. Rd. 7 and Devil’s Lake Rd.

FREEBORN

Size: 247 acres Depth: 18 feet

Public access: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 96.

GENEVA

Size: 639 acres Depth: 63 feet

Features: Fishing pier on north end, access to chain of lakes.

Public access: Northwest side off Hwy. 29; Southeast side off Co. Rd. 82 and E. Lake Geneva Rd. Called Rowley on early maps; renamed by Walter Scott Shotwell after resort town of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

GILBERT

Size: 201 acres Depth: 17 feet Features: Quiet. Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 7 and Moe Hall Rd. Named for an early settler.

GRANTS

Size: 176 acres Depth: 60 feet

Public access: West side off Country Lane.

HENRY

Size: 152 acres Depth: 32 feet Features: Next to City Park. Public access: Alexandria City Park; Accessible by water from Lake Agnes. Named for the son of Charles Cook, an early settler.

IDA Size: 4,431 acres Depth: 106 feet Features: Large, clear; sandy beaches. Public accesses: North side off Co. Rd. 34 and Big Horn Bay Rd.; east side off Co. Rd. 34 and Sugar Sand Lane; southeast side off Co. Rd. 34 and Sunset Strip. Named by Myron Colony, one of the lake’s first colonists, in honor of a girlfriend out East.

INDIAN

Size: 98 acres Depth: 38 feet Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 6 and Indian Lake Rd.

IRENE Size: 639 acres Depth: 44 feet

Public access: Northwest side off Hwy. 29 and Irene Rd.; southeast side off Co. Rd. 64. First known as Reservation Lake, renamed for Irene Roadruck, daughter of early settler.

JENNIE

Size: 300 acres Depth: 6 feet

Public access: South end of Co. Rd. 56.

JESSIE

Size: 110 acres Depth: 11 feet

Public access: No public access. Accessible by water from Lake Victoria.

Continued from page 24

LATOKA

Size: 766 acres Depth: 108 feet

Features: Clear, deep, good water quality, public swimming beach.

Public accesses: North side off Co. Rd. 82 and Latoka Beach Rd.; West side of South Basin off Hwy. 27 and Vonderheid Dr. Named for Native Americans.

L’HOMME DIEU

Size: 1,801 acres Depth: 85 feet

Features: Access to chain of lakes, public swimming beach.

Public accesses: Northwest side off Co. Rd. 42; northeast side off Co. Rd. 120. Reports vary, but one story is that lakes L’Homme Dieu and Carlos were named by an early settler in honor of two friends who attended West Point.

LITTLE CHIPPEWA

Size: 269 acres Depth: 24 feet Features: Shallow, sandy, connects to county park. Public access: South shore off Co. Rd. 108. Named for Native Americans.

LOBSTER Size: 1,334 acres Depth: 65 feet Features: Many bays and points, island. Public access: West end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its shape, which resembles a lobster. It is believed this lake was first called Kinkead, but later changed.

LONG Size: 201 acres Depth: 18 feet

Public access: East end off Co. Rd. 55. Named for its contour.

LOUISE Size: 214 acres Depth: 33 feet

Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 22 and W. Lake Louise Dr.

Named for a child of Charles Cook, an early settler.

MAPLE Size: 830 acres Depth: 78 feet

Features: Mostly shallow, spring-fed, excellent water quality.

Public access: North end off Co. Rd. 4 and Maple Springs Dr.; east side off Co. Rd. 87 and Sunset Access Rd.

Named for the many maple trees that surrounded the lake.

MARY

Size: 2,450 acres Depth: 40 feet

Features: Large, gradual slopes, popular recreational lake.

Public access: Northwest corner off Hwy. 27; southwest corner off Co. Rd. 4 and Little Mary Circle. Named for Mary Kinkead, a sister to some of Alexandria’s original settlers.

MILL Size: 451 acres Depth: 40 feet

Features: Spring-fed, deep, clear.

Public access: Southeast corner off Hwy. 27. Called Cornelia on early maps; unknown how it was renamed.

MILTONA

Size: 5,724 acres Depth: 105 feet

Features: Largest lake in county; deep, clear; sandy beaches.

Public accesses: North shore off Co. Rd. 14 and Sandy Beach Dr.; northeast side off Hwy. 29. and North Lake Miltona Dr.; west side off Spring Lake Rd. Named for Florence Miltona Roadruck, who homesteaded in Leaf Valley with husband.

MINA

Size: 411 acres Depth: 123 feet

Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 8.

Named by Fredric Von Baumback, a Prussian officer, a major in the Civil War and Secretary of State, for his mother.

MOON

Size: 139 acres Depth: 38 feet

Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 82.

MOSES

Size: 824 acres Depth: 32 feet Features: Clear, sandy. Public access: West side off Co. Rd. 16. Named for religious prophet, or possibly for a prominent Alexandria family.

OSAKIS

Size: 6,389 acres Depth: 73 feet Features: Large lake with many bars and fishing structures (Most of the lake is in Todd County).

Public access: South end in Osakis; west side off Co. Rd. 10; north-east side off 210th Street (Todd County).

Name likely derived from Ojibwe Indian name for the lake, “Oh-za-kees,” which means “place of the Sauk” and refers to Sauk Indians who roamed the area.

OSCAR

Size: 1,231 acres Depth: 25 feet

Features: Island.

Public access: North side off State Hwy. 27. Named for the King of Sweden.

POCKET

Size: 263 acres Depth: 40 feet

Public access: South side off Hwy. 114 and Pocket Lake Rd.

Named for its contour.

RACHEL

Size: 448 acres Depth: 65 feet

Public access: East shore off Co. Rd. 93 and E. Rachel Rd.

Named for the daughter of an early Holmes City settler.

RED ROCK

Size: 902 acres Depth: 22 feet

Features: Shallow.

Public access: East side off Co. Rd. 1 and Shorewood Dr.

RENO

Size: 3,808 acres Depth: 23 feet

Features: Large, shallow, sandy (Most of lake is in Pope County).

Public access: Northeast end off Hwy. 29: Southeast side off Co. Rd. 15 and Sugar Sand Rd. (Pope County).

ROUND Size: 81 acres Depth: 30 feet

Features: Quiet.

Public access: South end off Co. Rd. 27. Named for its contour.

SMITH Size: 666 acres Depth: 30 feet Features: Spring-fed, quiet. Public access: Northeast corner off Co. Rd. 82 and Smith Lake Rd. Named for a family that homesteaded near the lake.

STOWE

Size: 376 acres Depth: 14 feet Public access: West end off Co. Rd. 82 and Stowe Lake Rd.

TURTLE

Size: 218 acres Depth: 21 feet

Public access: Southwest corner off Co. Rd. 88.

UNION

Size: 107 acres Depth: 45 feet

Public access: SE side off Co. Rd. 23 and Co. Rd. 86.

VERMONT Size: 337 acres Depth: 59 feet Public access: Southeast side off Hwy. 29 and Vermont Access Rd.

VICTORIA Size: 416 acres Depth: 60 feet

Features: Long, narrow lake with access to Lake Geneva.

Public access: South end off Hazel Hill Rd. Called Scocka on early maps; renamed by Walter Shotwell in honor of English queen. His father, Daniel, homesteaded between lakes Victoria and Geneva in 1859.

WHISKEY

Size: 159 acres Depth: 46 feet

Public access: North side off Co. Rd. 58.

WINONA

Size: 213 acres Depth: 9 feet

Public access: Carry-in access on north side of the south end off Melvina Lane.

Probably named by Mary Kinkead, sister of Alexander and William, the first settlers in Alexandria. The first child born in Fort Alexandria was also named Winona.

CITY PARKS

Most cities in the area maintain city parks, many of which offer playground equipment and picnic areas.

Alexandria City Park is at the north end of Alexandria, one block west of County Rd. 42. It offers a playground, reservable picnic area, pickleball courts, swimming beach, restrooms and fishing pier.

Big Ole Central Park is on the north end of Broadway in Alexandria, next to Lake Agnes. It features year-round restrooms, fishing pier, gazebo, kiosk shelter, bike repair station and serves as a trail head for the Central Lakes Trail.

Bluebird Park is on Agnes Blvd. near Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.

Carter Park, on Benjamin Drive off of Co. Rd. 22 in Alexandria, has a playground..

Dean Melton Fillmore Park is at Fillmore St. and 15th Ave. West in Alexandria. It features a picnic shelter, ball fields, skate park and playground.

Fred Foslien Park, in Victoria Heights, two blocks south of Co. Rd. 27 off Knut Street in Alexandria, has a playground.

Geneva Crest Park is on the west side of Lake Geneva in Alexandria. Take Co. Rd. 82 E., turn north on Birch Ave., go 3/4 mile, go east on Basswood two blocks and north on Geneva Dr. It has a playground, small ballfield and sand volleyball court.

Goose Park is three blocks west of Broadway on Fifth Ave. W. in Alexandria, next to Knute Nelson Memorial Field ballpark.

Lake Agnes Park is on the south shore of Lake Agnes along County Rd. 37 in Alexandria.

Lake Burgen Park, on Rosewood and Snowbird lanes on the west side of Lake Burgen, has a playground.

Lake Connie Park is on Seventh Ave. E. between Roosevelt and Spruce streets in Alexandria.

Lakeview Park is near County Rd. 82 East and Birch Ave. in Alexandria. Take Co. Rd. 82 E. to Birch Ave., turn west on Runestone Place and west on Lake Park Ave. It has a playground and picnic shelter.

Manor Hills Park is in Alexandria. Take Hwy. 29 N. to Manor Dr. and go two blocks to the right on Springdale. It has a playground and small ballfield.

Martin’s Hope Park, on Second Ave. across the street from Big Ole Central Park in Alexandria, has a picnic gazebo.

Noonan Park is at Nokomis St. and 10th Ave. in Alexandria. It has restrooms, picnic shelters, walking paths, playground and winter ice skating.

Oak Knoll Park is on the northeast side of Alexandria near McKay Ave. Take Hwy. 29 North, turn right on McKay Ave. and left on Oak Knoll Dr. It has a playground and small ballfield.

Osagi Park is on Lake St. in the city of Osakis. It features picnic tables and shelter, restrooms, playground and lakeshore (no swimming area).

Pooch Playland is a dog park with a fenced-in area located at the south end of Victor St. in Alexandria.

Runestone Park is about one mile east of Broadway in Alexandria on Sixth Ave. E.

Skylark Park, north of Kinkead Cemetery on Amanda Lane in Alexandria, has a playground.

Summer Meadows Park, on the north side of Alexandria near Scenic Heights Road and Summer Lane, has a playground.

Veterans Memorial Park is at 802 Broadway in Alexandria. It includes a replica of the Liberty Bell and granite monoliths with the names of more than 7,000 veterans, as well as restrooms and a picnic area. It also includes the Matt Kjelland Memorial basketball court.

Woodland Park, on the north side of Alexandria on Woodland Dr., just north of Hwy. 29, has a playground.

COUNTY PARKS

Chippewa Park is three miles north of Brandon on Co. Rd. 108. It features picnic tables, shelters, charcoal grills, restrooms, showers, drinking water, a swimming beach (no lifeguard), playground, horseshoe pit and camping sites.

Curt Felt Memorial Park is north of Alexandria off Co. Rd. 42. It has a volleyball court, playground, a picnic shelter, restrooms, horseshoe courts and a softball field.

Lake Brophy Park, located on the north side of Lake Brophy, is the newest addition to the county’s park system. Take Co. Rd. 82 west of Alexandria to the Brophy Landing road. The park was built with a Legacy Grant from the State of Minnesota in 2018. Reach walking trails from a small parking lot located on the north end of the park off Centennial Drive. It also offers a public swimming beach, a mountain bike course, fishing pier and children’s playground.

Lake Brophy Wayside Park is west of Alexandria at the intersection of Co. Rds. 82 and 8. It has picnic tables, charcoal grills, restroom, drinking water, playground and views of Lake Brophy.

Kensington Rune Stone Park is 15 miles west of Alexandria on State Hwy. 27. It’s where the famed Kensington Runestone was found. A new visitor center was constructed in 2017 which offers modern restrooms, an interpretive room, a gathering space and drinking water. The park also includes picnic tables, shelters, charcoal grills, electricity, a heated building with kitchen facilities, softball field, horseshoe pit, volleyball court, playground, hiking, mountain bike trails, cross country ski trails and historic displays.

Spruce Hill Park is near Miltona. From Alexandria, take Hwy. 29 to Co. Rd. 5 and go east five miles. It has picnic tables, shelters, charcoal grills, electricity, restrooms, drinking water, softball field, and interpretive, hiking and cross country ski trails.

STATE PARKS

Lake Carlos State Park is near Carlos. Take State Hwy. 29 north from Alexandria, turn west on Co. Rd. 38, turn left into park. Permit is required; purchase at park office ($7/day, $35/year). The park features trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, as well as picnic tables, shelters, a swimming beach, play area, campsites, camper cabins, group camp, group center, restrooms, showers, boat landing, amphitheater, visitor/interpretive center, naturalist programs, geocaching and an equestrian area. Rentals are available for canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, snowshoes and fish houses, and checkouts are available for fishing and birding kits and GPS units.

HOLIDAY LIGHTParade

An exciting new event will help ring in the holiday season in Alexandria this year – the Lights on Broadway Holiday Light Parade. The parade is being held in conjunction with the popular Christmas in the Fort and Light up Broadway Christmas lighting ceremony that has been a tradition for the community for years.

This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 25. Christmas in the Fort is from 3-6 p.m. at the Runestone Museum and Legacy of the Lakes Boathouse.

The Light Up Broadway lighting ceremony will take place at 5:15 p.m., with the parade beginning at 6 p.m. It will run south on Broadway Street from Fourth Avenue to Eighth Avenue.

Anyone can enter a float –businesses, organizations, service clubs, youth clubs, sports teams, neighborhood groups, residents and more.

The only rule is to light up your entry, be it a car, truck, tractor, ATV, boat, trailer, or other creative entry. There is no charge to participate.

Send an email with business, organization or person’s name and intent to enter to info@ alexandriamn.org. Then simply arrive at the staging location beginning at ALP Utilities at Fourth and Fillmore Street and continuing down Elm Street between 4:45 and 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 25.

No items may be thrown from the floats. However, participants may walk alongside floats to hand out items to viewers if they wish.

Prizes will be awarded for the Most Christmas Spirit and Brightest Lights. The parade is organized by the Friends of Christmas committee.

For more information, call 320-763-3161 or email info@ alexandriamn.org.