Stillwater unveiling
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 unveiled 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.
As the territorial birthplace of Minnesota the town of Stillwater seemed a natural choice to host the event. Stillwater’s downtown became the first in the state to be donned with sesquicentennial spirit and now serves as a prototype for other communities as 2008 approaches.
The morning began at the Water Street Inn where 58 local school children lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. State Senator Kathy Saltzman spoke, along with school superintendent Keith Ryskoski. The Sesquicentennial Commission executive director, Jane Leonard, used this opportunity to announce the winners of the first round of Sesquicentennial micro-grants. Over sixty grants were awarded and the enthusiasm is still strong for the next round. Mike Cofrin, of Visual Impact, spoke of his excitement in seeing the flags and banners throughout Stillwater and that he looks forward to working with other communities across the state.
Though rain may have pushed the events indoors the excitement was still there. Stillwater wore its Sesquicentennial garb with pride and we can only hope to see communities across the state continue with that enthusiasm.
Explore posts in the same categories: Uncategorized
Minnesota Sesquicentennial 
Leave a Reply