CivicFest: A very Minnesotan celebration

An American history showcase in conjunction with the Republican National Convention

The Minneapolis-St. Paul 2008 Host Committee has announced that “CivicFest: A Very Minnesota Celebration” will be held in conjunction with the 2008 Republican National Convention.
CivicFest, which will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center from Aug. 29 to Sept. 4 will be a nearly 300,000 square foot event celebrating Minnesota and American history, democracy and the U.S. presidency that will be open to the general public.
“With more than 35 exhibits celebrating the history of our nation as well as our state, CivicFest provides an amazing opportunity for Minnesotans and visitors to the Republican National Convention to not only learn about democracy and our state, but to experience it,” said Cynthia Lesher, President of the Minneapolis St. Paul 2008 Host Committee. “It has been more than 116 years since a national political convention has been held in Minnesota and while not everyone will be able to experience the convention floor, anyone can tour through CivicFest to learn about past presidents, our founding fathers and more.”
Visitors to CivicFest will learn about the U.S. presidency and have the unique opportunity to sit at a replica of the president’s desk in the White House Oval Office and sign a bill into law. In addition, a 20-foot by 60-foot meticulously detailed model of the White House and its contents previously exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and Presidential Libraries will be on display.
CivicFest also will celebrate Minnesota business, technology and invention as well as the state’s fascinating history and natural resources. In addition, each visitor will receive a ‘convention-style’ commemorative CivicFest credential.
Tickets for CivicFest are available online at www.civicfest.org. Participants will select a specific time to tour the exhibit. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children, students and seniors. CivicFest is free for children under 8.
CivicFest’s executive producer is Gerard McTernan, who has previously produced events in conjunction with the Salt Lake 2002 Olympics, All-Star Fan Fest for Major League Baseball and Super Bowl XXX. Many of his events have garnered national and international media coverage because of their size, scale and subject matter.
“CivicFest provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people of all ages to experience an amazing array of political memorabilia and exhibits all in once place,” McTernan said. “Local residents as well as visitors to the convention are invited to attend CivicFest and to participate in this remarkable show.”
More than 150,000 people are expected to attend CivicFest.
For more information, visit www.civicfest.org.

Below is a preview of some CivicFest exhibits:

•Model White House
Previously exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and Presidential Libraries.
•President Who? Forgotten Founders — Historic Documents of Freedom
The stories of the four presidents of the Continental Congress and 10 presidents of the United States in Congress Assembled before George Washington's Inauguration, told through historical documents and artifacts, and accompanied by oil paintings of our pre-1789 Presidents.
•Oval Office
A replica of the White House Oval Office where visitors sit behind the president’s desk, sign a bill into law and receive a souvenir photo.
•Minnesota!
Featuring MN 150, the Sesquicentennial celebration; Minnesota Quilts — the state’s history in quilts; Minnesota’s Native American Culture; Votes for Women — Minnesota’s role in the women’s suffrage movement; and the Minnesota State Fair 1854-2008.
•Air Force One
•First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns
•Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial interactive commemoration
•American Artwork: The Flag of the United States of America
Three centuries of authentic historic flags.
•Dozens of other exhibitions.

White House Model
The White House Model is a unique, large-model 60-foot x 20-foot replica of the White House completely decorated in miniature down to the most authentic detail and featuring nearly every aspect of the president's residence including many rooms usually closed to the public. The White House Model is a one-inch to one-foot scale model featuring every minute detail including:
• Each tiny painting matches the exact color and texture of the original work.
• Furniture is constructed from the same woods used in the originals.
• Drapes and bedspreads are duplicate down to the last tassel.
• Telephones ring, quarter-inch televisions work and fountains spray water.
• Miniature clocks keep time.
• Tiny lights illuminate delicate chandeliers.
• Wall switches turn on and off.
• Smoke arises from the East Wing chimney.
The replica includes nearly 1,600 feet of electrical wiring, 548 tiny light bulbs and six working television sets.