Dear Neighbor,
The official grand re-opening of our State Capitol in St. Paul will take place this weekend to celebrate completion of a four-year, $310 million restoration project.
The Capitol is 112 years old and its age was showing, from antiquated mechanical systems and limited accessibility accommodations to water damage and a marble exterior that literally was crumbling to pieces.
A wide range of festivities this Friday through Sunday to officially welcome the public back to what is known as “The People’s House.” A ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick things off at 9 a.m. Friday. Events will start early in the morning last well into the night all three days. There are offerings planned for citizens of all ages, including everything from a Kids Zone to cocktails on the Capitol’s newly reopened balcony. Tours will be available and a number of musical performances are scheduled. The Capitol chandelier will be raised each day at 8 p.m. and a fireworks show will take place at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
Organizers say 100,000 people could attend the weekend festivities and it would be well worth the time to make a visit for this once-in-a-lifetime event. The work that has been done truly is impressive and you should see it with your own eyes to take it all in.
Over the past three years I have watched the progress of this wonderful project. Our state capital building is truly a gem. The beautiful art work that adorns the walls and ceilings is now as bright and shiny as the day they were completed over a 100 years ago. If you have not visited the capital yet this year, its worth the trip.
A complete itinerary and more regarding the August weekend of grand opening events is available at this link.
Sincerely,
Dale