June 29th, 2007
For Immediate Release:
MN leaders gather for Sesquicentennial briefing
Tane S. Danger
E-mail: tane@mn150years.orgSnail:
C/o Sesquicentennial Commission
240 Summit Ave
St. Paul, MN 5510
(651)-296-1870 (office)
(507)-469-1433 (cell)
Minnesota’s business and foundation leaders joined First Lady Mary Pawlenty to discuss support for Minnesota’s 2008 Sesquicentennial
At the invitation of Governor Tim Pawlenty, representatives of more than 18 major Minnesota businesses and several Minnesota based foundations joined First Lady Mary Pawlenty and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie at the historic St. Paul Hotel in downtown last week to hear plans from the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission for Minnesota’s 150th anniversary of statehood set to begin next January and run throughout 2008 with statewide events and projects.
This is a landmark opportunity for Minnesota and Minnesotans to showcase our achievements, honor our heritage with the stories of our many traditions and cultures and prepare for what will be a demanding future, said Sesquicentennial Executive Director Jane Leonard in introducing the plans for 2008.
The informational session was a huge success in getting participants informed and excited about the state’s 150th anniversary. First Lady Mary Pawlenty’s opened the breakfast talking about her love of all things Minnesotan. That enthusiasm set the tone for the rest of the morning. Comparing the state’s sesquicentennial with a significant wedding anniversary or birthday, the First Lady helped draw out the importance of commemorating this milestone in Minnesota’s history and future.
Leonard spoke later in the breakfast outlining where the Commission is in terms of planning and where it is still seeking support. In the recently completed Legislative Session, the state legislature allocated approximately a third ($750,000) of what the Governor had budgeted ($2 million) for the Sesquicentennial, leaving sesqui-staff to raise the additional funds through private contributions. Tuesday’s breakfast attendees were provided a wish list of projected expenses for 2008’s events, projects and celebrations, totaling nearly $4 million.
One line on the wish list explains the proposal to run a Sesquicentennial Train to all corners of the state from spring till fall of 2008 (which repeats the highly successful and memorable Centennial Train in 1958). On another line, the Commission lists sending Sesquicentennial flags to Minnesota military abroad, as well as to every county courthouse and National Guard Armory. One crucial part of the wish list is sponsorship for the showcase event, the May 10th and 11th Statehood celebration on the Capitol grounds in St. Paul. This weekend-long festival intends to attract Minnesotans in from across the state and throughout the country to spotlight Minnesota people, places and progress over the past 150 years and into the future. The two-day extravaganza will be a Minnesota Homecoming filled with history, music, culture, education, innovation and lots of entertainment and activities for kids and adults.
“We have already had one major corporation step up and say ‘we’re in,’” said Sesquicentennial Commission chairwoman Cay Shea Hellervik adding that the entire breakfast event left her “very optimistic and very hopeful.” State funding will not be enough to cover even the basic plans so organizers are hoping that the corporate and non-profit sectors will set up and fill the gaps to ensure that the Sesquicentennial connects and involves everyone and every place in Minnesota.
For more information about the Sesquicentennial, including how you can be a Sesquicentennial sponsor, go to www.mn150years.org or call 651-2961870.
Beginning in January 2008, the Sesquicentennial will be a yearlong, statewide celebration and a catalyst, to honor the past and connect all Minnesotans in creating a thriving, innovative future. The Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Commission, created by the Legislature in 2005, has selected four major theme areas for the 150th observances: Education, Innovation, Arts & Cultures, and Health & Wellness. In addition, they will be shining the spotlight on Minnesota’s natural resources and our great outdoors heritage. The Commission is joined in this effort by the Minnesota Historical Society, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota State College and University System as key players, along with Explore Minnesota Tourism and other state agencies and private and non-profit partners, in organizing Minnesota’s 150th anniversary.