Alexandria seeks bigger, better fireworks

ALEXANDRIA, Ind. (AP) - There's nothing more small-town Indiana than a summer festival where the smell of corn dogs and elephant ears wafts through the air to the tune of fireworks booming overhead.

Amy Bair is working to make sure Alexandria, which was chosen during World War II as the quintessential Small Town USA, lives up to its reputation by bringing back the town's Independence Day fireworks show.

The work began last year when she and Jim King, both longtime Alexandria residents, decided to revive the event after a string of bad weather led to disbandment of the event four years prior.

"(Jim) said, 'I think we can do this,'" Bair recounted. "Once word got out, we literally had people coming out of the woodwork."

The event last year included a few vendors, as well as a fireworks show.

"Community spirit just soared," Bair said.

To add to the carnival atmosphere, this year she hopes to attract more vendors, such as a shaved ice stand and others selling elephant ears and fair fare. She also hopes to bring more boom to the night's fireworks show.

"I really think that we as a community are looking for something fun and for something where everyone can come together," she said.

Mayor Ron Richardson said the event helps spread civic pride and bring everyone together.

"This community is known for being very friendly," he said. "It is a pride thing for a community our size to be able to bring people together and celebrate (and) have time to sit and chat ... with your neighbors."

To make it happen, Bair needs donations. After all, the event is free, so she can't bank on ticket sales.

The community's school corporation plans to host hat days or similar events where students can donate a couple of dollars to breach a small rule, like wearing a banned clothing item. It's not just for the money, though, Bair said; it's also to give the kids a sense of community spirit by knowing that they helped make the event happen.

The Curve will host a Feb. 22 event where people can purchase a $10 ticket for chicken noodles, with proceeds going to the fireworks effort. Bair also recently set up a fund enabling people and businesses to make tax-deductible donations through the city building.

___

Source: The (Anderson) Herald-Bulletin, http://bit.ly/1nYAgoj

___

Information from: The Herald Bulletin, http://www.theheraldbulletin.com