The trappings of democracy are on display in metro

Many children dream of becoming president of the United States. But if they'd settle for having their picture taken waving from the door of Air Force One, they can have that experience beginning today at CivicFest.

A replica of the presidential jet, along with a 60-by-20-foot replica of the White House, two presidential limousines, historic flags, White House china and First Ladies' dresses are part of the dozens of displays designed to celebrate American democracy and civic engagement while the Republican party nominates its presidential candidate in St. Paul.

The one-time-only assemblage of memorabilia and interactive installations will fill three halls of the Minneapolis Convention Center. It will also include a store where visitors can buy authorized Republican National Convention souvenirs -- McCain stickers, Uncle Sam hats, buttons, T-shirts, plush stuffed elephants and red-white-and-blue Zubaz.

The event, which runs through Thursday, the convention's final day, also emphasizes Minnesota history, culture and politics. Visitors can cast a vote to name an eagle at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha.

The name "Obama" will be conspicuous by its absence at CivicFest. But the event, organized by the Minneapolis-St. Paul host committee for the convention, is otherwise thoroughly bipartisan.

"This will allow local citizens and visitors to participate in the convention experience," said CivicFest director Maxene Fernstrom,

Fernstrom said she expects 100,000 visitors, including school groups that committed last spring to attending as soon as school opens next week. She said she views CivicFest as complementary to the State Fair, which runs through Monday.

The first 5,000 people at the convention center will attend free. Otherwise tickets cost $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors and students 8 and over and active military members. Children under 8 are free. Tickets are also available online. The Star Tribune, one of the event's sponsors, is sponsoring a $2 discount online. Tickets and the discount are available online at www.civicfest.org using the promotional code startrib.
CivicFest will have an echo six blocks south at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, where an exhibit on the American presidency opened Aug. 2 and runs through Sept. 21. That exhibit, which is free, includes paintings, sculpture, prints, photos, posters and other artifacts of presidential politics and life. It includes a restored presidential flag from the 1960s and a set of Christmas cards President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy had planned to send in 1963, but never did.

Anne-Marie Wagener, director of external affairs, said she expects the exhibit to attract out-of-town convention visitors as well as Twin Cities residents.

Bill McAuliffe • 612-673-7646