Hoping to expand on the potential draw that is the 2008 Democratic National Convention, downtown Denver businesses are finalizing plans for recreational activities in the coming months, from film festivals to mass pep rallies for patriotism.
The Downtown Denver Partnership is trying to erase concerns that the convention, which will be the subject of intense security and possibly large gatherings of protesters, will make coming downtown unsavory.
“Let’s let the people of downtown Denver and elsewhere have the opportunity to come out and celebrate with us,” said Kathy Wegner, the partnership’s director of public policy.
The first event will take place in May. A 4-minute film commissioned to showcase the area will be released in venues still to be determined. A 10-minute version will be compiled during convention week, Aug. 25-28, and released in November, when the city celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The partnership, already at work on an alternative transportation program for August, is expanding its website to provide quick updates and maps showing any road closures for protests or parades.
Also in May, the partnership’s Business Improvement District will spend $140,000 to put 105 large planters for flowers along 17th Street between Champa Street and Broadway.
In July and in the weeks of August leading up to the convention, the partnership will begin a so-called “Artocracy” program that combines artistic expression with democracy themes.
The events will be held in Skyline Park and encourage families to come out to make patriotic crafts. A film festival featuring political and patriotic films will be shown in evenings at the park.
Chuck Plunkett: 303-954-1333 or cplunkett@denverpost.com
