March 13, 2008
For Immediate Release:
MN Sesquicentennial highway signs offer welcome at state entries
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)
The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission purchased signs reading "Minnesota 1858 -- 2008, 150 Years of Statehood" to be installed at every highway entry point into Minnesota.
Visitors and commuters coming into Minnesota at any of its 67 highway entry points will be welcomed by signs heralding Minnesota's 150th anniversary of statehood. The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission purchased the signs and paid for their installations by the MnDOT along the Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Canadian borders.
"These highway signs are the first point of hospitality for anyone coming into Minnesota during its sesquicentennial year," said Sesquicentennial Commission Executive Director Jane Leonard. "We hope they set a tone of friendship and welcome to our home during this special year."
The large signs (approximately 5 and 1/2 feet across and 2 and 1/2 feet tall) read "Minnesota 1858 -2008, 150 Years of Statehood."
In addition, special signs are being posted at the entrances of the five Minnesota cities which will serve as Honorary Capitals for a Day during Statehood Week, May 11th through May 18th; Bemidji, Detroit Lakes, New Ulm, Thief River Falls and Winona and throughout 2008.
The highway entry point signs will be taken down in early 2009 but are available for adoption. Anyone can purchase one of the 67 signs for $500 as a life-size commemorative of the state's historic anniversary and take it home at the end of the sesquicentennial year.
The signs are on sale now and anyone interested should contact the Sesquicentennial Commission soon. There is only one sign for each entry point and adoptions are first come first serve.
"If you want to get the Sesquicentennial welcome sign at the entrance you cross everyday as a commuter or perhaps the one closest to your home, you should act quickly," explained Leonard, "We'd love to see individuals, organizations, restaurants and businesses adopt signs to have and display after the Sesquicentennial as a lasting reminder of this special year."
Extra funds raised through the sale of highway signs will help recover the costs of installation and will support events and programs related to the Sesquicentennial. Contact the Sesquicentennial Commission office at (651)-296-1870 or email info@mn150years.org to reserve your sign.
For more information about the highway signs, the Capitals for a Day, Statehood Week or any of the other programs and activities for Minnesota's sesquicentennial, visit www.mn150years.org or call (651)-296-1870. The Sesquicentennial Commission is coordinating all sesquicentennial events and projects. A complete events and projects list is available at the website above.
The Sesquicentennial is a yearlong, statewide commemoration of 150 years of statehood and a catalyst to learn from our past and connect all Minnesotans in creating a thriving, innovative future.
The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission, created by the Legislature in 2005 to coordinate Sesquicentennial events and projects, 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, the Department of Natural Resources and other state agencies and private and non-profit partners.
To find out more about these events or the Sesquicentennial year-long plans, contact the Sesquicentennial office at 651-297-1870 or 651-296-1872, or go to www.mn150years.org.