Catch convention fever at PoliticalFest
Nabbing a ticket to the Democratic National Convention could be tough. Getting one to PoliticalFest is much easier. Tickets went on sale Wednesday for the nonpartisan presidential-history celebration, which was held at the Convention Center during the 2000 Republican National Convention here.
Nabbing a ticket to the Democratic National Convention could be tough.
Getting one to PoliticalFest is much easier.
Tickets went on sale Wednesday for the nonpartisan presidential-history celebration, which was held at the Convention Center during the 2000 Republican National Convention here.
This year, instead of one location, seven museums will feature dozens of exhibits from July 22 to 27.
"We're calling it PoliticalFest 2.0," said former Gov. Ed Rendell, chair of the DNC host committee organizing the fest.
Tickets ($15 for adults and $5 for children, students, and seniors) are good for all six days. Phlash buses will transport people among the museums.
The National Constitution Center, already featuring a "Headed to the White House" exhibit, will be the hub.
John F. Kennedy's inaugural address and President Obama's 2008 speech on race will play on a loop, and C-SPAN's interactive bus will be parked nearby. The committee is reaching out to actors who have portrayed presidents on film or television to participate in panel discussions.
The Constitution Center will also hold a political Family Feud-style game with questions compiled by the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government.
There will be head-to-head political-trivia matches with local, state, and national politicians in town for the convention, which runs from July 25 to 28.
"I'm hoping you might take on [Council President Darrell L.] Clarke," Rendell said to Mayor Kenney at the news conference.
"I'm already doing that," Kenney said in a nod to the debate over the mayor's proposed sugary-drinks tax.
The Convention Center will have an Oval Office replica, Air Force One fuselage, and a variety of games.
The National Liberty Museum will have items and photographs from presidential families.
The Union League will showcase the 11 political conventions held in the city from 1848 to 2000.
The league, founded as a Republican club, has also agreed to place one of the convention donkey statues outside.
"There may be some past presidents rolling over in their grave, but the league will take a donkey," Rendell said.
Also involved are the Philadelphia Library Company, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and Atwater Kent.
Tickets for PoliticalFest can be purchased at the Constitution Center and through the DNC website, www.phldnc.com.
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