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Saint Paul Celebrates State Capitol Centennial Centennial Rose Garden Unveiled June 23, 2005 Concert and Ice Cream Social Mark July 4th
(Saint Paul, MN) The Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce a terrific lineup of events this summer to coincide with the Centennial Celebration of the Minnesota State Capitol. This magnificent structure, designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, is considered the most beautiful capitol in the country. Special free tours will be available throughout the summer showcasing elements such as the huge marble dome above the rotunda, the intricate murals throughout the building, the self-supporting spiral staircases and the gold sculpture of the Quadriga atop the exterior. One of the highlights of the year will be the unveiling of the Centennial Rose Garden on Thursday, June 23. First Lady Mary Pawlenty will officially open the garden at a 4:00 pm public ceremony, to be followed by complimentary ice tea, lemonade and finger sandwiches, courtesy of The Saint Paul Hotel. Capitol tours will be held on the hour and the Radisson Riverfront Hotel will offer special rates of $109 that evening. Visitors coming to Saint Paul over the 4^th of July weekend can take part in a special July 4^th Celebration on the Capitol Mall. A circa 1905 Ice Cream Social and 1,000 voice choir under the direction of Philip Brunelle will be the focal point of the festival, which will also include entertainment, tours, historic exhibits, games, flags and food. This event at the Capitol will replace the parade through downtown Saint Paul, but festival goers can still attend the annual Taste of Minnesota celebration to be held on Harriet Island June 30 through July 4th which will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Rock n' Roll with top 50's entertainment. Other special events which tie in with the Centennial is a special exhibit at the Minnesota History Center which includes original architectural renderings of the capitol furnished by Cass Gilbert, along with art work by Daniel Chester French who designed the Quadriga of golden horses. On September 11, visitors can get a glimpse of more Gilbert-inspired architecture as the annual Ramsey Hill historic house tour, themed A Touch of Cass, will feature several Summit Avenue residences designed by Cass Gilbert, as well as some by Emanuel Masqueray, designer of the Saint Paul Cathedral. Harriet Island will be the site of the County Market Rockin' Ribfest, July 29-31, Irish Fair of Minnesota August 12-14 and the American Indian Festival September 9-11. A visit to Minnesota's Capitol city isn't complete without a paddlewheel boat ride on the Mighty Mississippi and the best way to experience the river is on a cruise aboard the Padelford Packetboats, which depart Harriet Island at noon and 2 pm daily in summer. Many summer visitors to Saint Paul enjoy the bountiful outdoor gardens, parks and flowering baskets displayed throughout the downtown area, but don't forget about our most amazing horticultural display of all at the newly renovated Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park. The new Fern, Bonsai and Orchid rooms are now open and visitors coming in 2005 are in for a special treat, as the rare Vriesea Imperialias, which blooms only every 15 years is blooming this summer. See it now, or you must wait until 2020! For more information on Saint Paul area attractions, events and lodging packages or to request a visitor's kit or Fun Pass, please call 651-265-4900, 800-627-6101 or visit www.visitstpaul.com.