VOLUNTEERS SPRUCE UP MINNEAPOLIS AND SAINT PAUL IN PREPARATION FOR THE 2008 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION
MINNEAPOLIS SAINT PAUL, MINN. (August 16, 2008) – Volunteers rolled up their sleeves today throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul in an effort to spruce up the cities as they prepare to host 45,000 visitors to the 2008 Republican National Convention. The metro-wide community clean up was organized by the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, which is planning the convention.
“Minnesotans have always been known for their hospitality and it was great to see the enthusiasm of so many people who showed up to volunteer their time to help us get ready for one of the biggest events Minneapolis Saint Paul has ever seen,” said Cynthia Lesher, president of the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. “This is truly our time to shine in the eyes of the nation and the world, and we have now added a little more sparkle as we get ready to roll out the welcome mat.”
Individuals spent the day cleaning and polishing windows, streets, parks and green spaces throughout Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Volunteers were asked to report to the Metrodome Parking Lot on 5th Street and 11th Avenue in Minneapolis or the Conseco Upper Lot on Broadway Street and Kellogg Blvd. E in Saint Paul to receive a clean up assignment and supplies. The first 100 volunteers to the Metrodome received tickets to the Minnesota Twins afternoon game against the Seattle Mariners. The first volunteers to the Saint Paul location received one of the following: free tickets to the Renaissance Festival; free tickets to the Great River Water Park; unlimited ride wristbands at Como Town amusement park at the Como Zoo; free tickets to the Minnesota Children’s Museum; free tickets to the Minnesota Historical Society; or buy one, get one free ticket vouchers for the Minnesota Swarm.
The metro-wide community clean up is just one of the events being held during the month-long Spruce Up MSP campaign. Additional events include an airport clean up and signage campaign, and the grooming of Mall of America with new flowers, landscaping and paint. In addition, more than 220 taxis were cleaned as part of the Taxi Cab Wash held at the Metrodome on August 5.
Residents and business owners also have been asked to spruce up their spaces by displaying an American Flag; hanging red, white and blue decorations; washing windows; and sweeping sidewalks and porches.
Individuals that choose to Spruce Up their homes and businesses will have an opportunity to submit a photo and win a Red Carpet Convention Package that includes a pair of tickets to three of the best parties during the Convention including the media party and the delegate welcome party. To participate in the “Spruced Up” photo contest, people should submit photos of their “spruced up” spaces to photos@msp2008.com. Photos will be judged by a city official from Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, and the Host Committee.
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held September 1-4 at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul,
