September 19, 2007
For Immediate Release:

Spirit Kits and Grant Winners Unveiled

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 territorial birthplace leads the way.
Tuesday, September 18th, 10:00AM Water Street Inn (101 Water Street ), Stillwater

Minnesota's territorial birthplace will play role model for the rest of the state once again as it becomes the first downtown dressed for the state's Sesquicentennial in 2008.

Tuesday, September 18th the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission unveils the Sesquicentennial Community Spirit program and Spirit Kit, a simple, fun way for towns and cities across Minnesota to commemorate the 150th anniversary of statehood. The spirit kits consist of pole banners, street graphics and window treatments with the official State Sesquicentennial logo and room for customization.

Downtown Stillwater will be the first city in the state donned with sesquicentennial spirit. It will be a prototype for other communities as 2008 approaches.

A group of 58 fourth graders from Oak Park Elementary in Stillwater along with local officials, state legislators and members of the Sesquicentennial Commission will help kickoff the start of the Community Spirit program. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, State Senator Kathy Saltzman, Mayor Ken Harycik, Stillwater schools Superintendent Keith Ryskoski among others will address the crowd on the importance of statehood and this historic milestone.

The Commission is also using this opportunity to announce the winners of the first round of Sesquicentennial Grants. Communities and organizations have applied from around the state for funding to help create Sesquicentennial projects and we'll reveal the first round of recipients Tuesday.

Please contact the Sesquicentennial office for more information about Sesquicentennial programs. Email tane@mn150years.org or call (651)-670-0596. Visit the Sesquicentennial website at www.mn150years.org for a calendar of upcoming events and more.

Beginning in January 2008, the Sesquicentennial will be a yearlong, statewide commemoration and a catalyst, to learn from our 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.