U.S. Constitution takes center stage in Sept. 17 Alexandria celebration

Talk about it

Even though Americans don’t always agree on things – like politics, for instance – most are proud of the country’s history and our form of government.

Now it’s time to celebrate that, right here in Alexandria.

Entire families are welcome to enjoy the second annual “Constitution Fest” – a patriotic celebration of the U.S. Constitution.

Presented by the Alexandria Freemasons, the event will take place at Alexandria City Park on Saturday, September 17 – U.S. Constitution Day – beginning at 6 p.m.

A large tent will be filled with information and displays of the Constitution. People can follow the timeline of the Amendments and have fun playing “constitutional trivia.”

They can meet (in costume) Ben Franklin and Uncle Sam. They can also see a replica of the Declaration of Independence and the list of signers.

Every family who attends will receive a free pocket-sized copy of the Constitution, the Amendments and the Declaration of Independence.

Opening ceremonies for the event will start at 6 p.m. with the Freedom First Riders motorcycle group escorting in the U.S. flag from downtown Alexandria.

Local VFW Post 936 will be on hand for a flag raising and Shannon McNutt will sing the National Anthem.

A local Boy Scout troop will set up camp, host an open Pinewood Derby and sell popcorn, cotton candy and soda.

At dusk, a huge professional fireworks display will light up the sky. It’s sponsored by Pete’s County Market, Nelson Community Association and the Alexandria Freemasons.

Other sponsors of the Constitution Fest include Alexandria Elks, Alexandria VFW, KXRA Radio, Alexandria Knights of Columbus, Alexandria Eagles, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Alexandria Eagles.

For more information, visit the website, www.usconstitutionfest.com.

39

The number of brave men who signed the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

The mission

The mission statement of Constitution Fest, presented by the Alexandria Freemasons, is “to celebrate the success of the extraordinary ‘self governing experiment’ by focusing on the historical background, founding and content of the Constitution of the United States of America.”

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