Donkeyization of Denver

Ever since the DNC announced Denver as the 2008 location for the Democratic National Convention, a Paul Revere-like mantra has been running through my mind.

“The Democrats are coming! The Democrats are coming!”

Oddly enough my good friend Teresa Boardman who sells St. Paul Real Estate has a similar issue. The opposition Republican Party is meeting in her town. Teresa, also known for her wonderful photography posted a photo entitled “The Elephantization of St. Paul” thus providing inspiration for this post.

The past months leading up to date have been filled with a flurry of planning, much like the pre-prepartation for that hallowed mother-in-law’s visit, Denver has been cleaning, planning preparing and fretting. The Democratic National Convention in size is not a large convention, but it’s the reality of having the world’s eye focus on our beautiful mile-high town that has everyone at attention.

I must say, last week I was downtown and it is looking very nice! The flowers are in full bloom, the red, white and blue banners are hanging fresh to welcome visitors. Obviously all the fretting and planning is paying off.

I had to chuckle at the news piece last night, a local beauty salon donated their services to groom the homeless. Obviously someone somewhere feels a need to beautify even our unsolvable unsightly homeless problem even if only for a few days.

The only tension it seems comes from the obligatory protest groups who seem to follow limelight where ever they can steal it. They and the local police are bound to tangle sooner or later. I wonder what the purpose other than to make trouble for trouble’s sake? It seems to me the effort would be better spent on making a difference in a positive way, think gandi or Mandela. Just saying…

Transportation issues are of concern to the locals, many who will need to get to work each day as normal. Mayor Hickenlooper has committed to making the trip much the same as normal, but that remains to be seen! Lucky for us there will be 1000 FREE bicycles available to those who are slick enough to sign up quick. Humana and Bikes Belong are bringing the bikes to Denver and then on to the Twiin Cities the following weeks.

I’ve toured cities all over the world via bike. As far as I’m concerned seeing a city from the seat of a bicycle offers more interesting reward than any other sort of transportation. Besides getting you there quicker you work up a worthy appetite! Considering all the food carts on the street and restaurants stocked with the finest food available, a hearty appetite is a good thing!

DNC Convention Activities

Aside from the normal Colorado sight seeing activities always available to visitors, many other special activities have been planned. A traveling exhibition that promises an interesting and educational time for young and old is the nonpartisan American Presidential Experience . Visitors will be able to view a replica of Air Force One, look through the window of the Presidential Limousine or sit at the desk in the Oval Office.

The Green Frontier Fest begins the day prior to the Democratic convention, at Sculpture Park on the west side of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Speer side. There will be a farmers’ market, displays on renewable technologies and ways to protect the environment at home.

There will be several Green Tours highlighting renewable energy during the convention.

DNC Mementos

There will be no shortage of souvenirs to stuff into the suitcase home. My favorite so far is the Dems Do Denver collection of goodies presented by Denver artists. Be sure to take a peek at the darling Donkeys in typical Denver activities. They are all so cute, it’s hard to pick just one favorite! They can be ordered online or purchased in person at the Tattered Cover in Lodo or on Colfax.

The last time Denver hosted the Democratic National Convention was in 1908, 100 years ago. At that time the highlight of the convention was when loads of snow was hauled in from the mountains for the delegates to enjoy a snowball fight.

Somehow I think that was just another way to let off steam, perhaps we should outfit the delegates and the demonstrators with a few tons of Colorado’s finest powder and let them have at each other…

May the best donkey win!