The Village of West Alexandria is located at the intersection of U.S. 35 and Ohio 503 in the eastern section of Preble County, less than two miles from the Montgomery County line.
And the small community of approximately 1,500 citizens has seen the village remain relatively unchanged during the past several decades; however, within the past several years a resurgence of interest from both the business and school communities has occurred.
The village and the residents of its outlying townships have seen the recent construction of a state-of-the-art school facility which houses grades K-12 inside the village limits. Incorporated into the new structure was the West Alexandria Elementary School, which was located on the land adjacent to the new structure.
Several businesses have also moved into the village during the past few years, as a plastic extruding company, a heating and air conditioning company as well as several convenient stores have built or relocated to the village. The village's largest manufacturing facility is Rohm & Haas, located on Electric Street, employing approximately 80 persons.
Several of the village streets have been upgraded during the past several years, including Ohio 503 which was repaved as part of an Ohio Department of Transportation project.
With its volunteer fire department and emergency medical squads, the village is also able to serve not only the village but adjacent townships, Twin and Lanier. In recent years, the village has added a grass fire truck and a new fire engine to its fleet, as well as a thermal imaging unit. The TIU was purchased in conjunction with village council in late 2000, and presented to the department in January, 2001.
Also nestled inside the village is its swimming pool which recently celebrated its 40th year of operation. The pool offers a recreational retreat for the residents of the town. A Natureworks grant was utilized by the village to make repairs and upgrades to its swimming pool facility located in the Smith Street park.
The pool is one of three parks inside the village. Other parks include Peace Park on U.S. 35 and the baseball diamonds on the west side of the village.
Most of the newer housing development has occurred on the west side of the village even though some construction has taken place on the northeastern side. The Twin Valley Community Local School District has purchased 34 acres of farmland located adjacent to the western edge of the village, and annexation of this property is in the works.
The village approved zoning regulations for West Alexandria in 1999.
The village is home to several traditional events held annually, which includes the Oktoberfest. Music, food and crafts are always main attractions at the event, which opens with classic German music performed from inside the gazebo at the park.
Also drawing a large crowd are the country cloggers and two-steppers. These local groups entertain the crowd on an outdoor stage as contemporary country music and classics are played while dancers perform.
The second day of the festival always brings out antique car lovers as the Antique Car Run begins its trek through the county on Sunday afternoon. Car lovers can also enjoy other classic vehicles on Saturday as cars throughout the area are lined up along the back of the park for spectators to enjoy.
Another favorite is the Santa's Villa, located on East Dayton Street. Santa's Villa is opened early in December and visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas near the village's Peace Park.
And, in the Christmas tradition, the village also hosts an Old-Fashioned Christmas in November. The event includes not only a visit from Santa at the village building but also decorations and an open house, which will allow residents to visit all the various village departments.

Businesses are open during the one day event and patrons can enjoy rides in a horse drawn buggy.