July 24, 2016
As Philadelphia braces for the beginning of the Democratic National Convention, workers are finishing the final preparations for the event.
City officials have taken out all the stops in an effort to impress visitors to the city.
So far, 57 fiberglass donkeys have been installed as part of a scavenger hunt, the Department of Licenses and Inspections is ensuring the sidewalks are passable, and some bars will serve drinks until 4 a.m.
Heck, Mayor Jim Kenney announced that the city will enforce parking laws in South Philly so city residents should be excused if they can not recognize their hometown.
The latest effort was unveiled Saturday as patriotic-themed scrims will adorn construction sites throughout Center City, the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention announced.
.@PHLDNC2016 super volunteer Tabeen Hossain discussing construction scrims around city, making sites interesting&fun pic.twitter.com/3KdutZVotg
— Anna Adams-Sarthou (@aadamssarthou) July 23, 2016
The scrims will serve two purposes: to make the construction sites more appealing and educate visitors.
“This project will provide a great visual for convention guests and Philadelphia residents that will not only inspire them, but also acknowledge the development occurring throughout our city,” said former Gov. Ed Rendell, the host committee chairman. “These scrims are a fun and educational way to showcase the city’s productivity while also beautifying the sites as we prepare for the eyes of the world to focus on us next week.”
Political figures from both parties will be featured on the scrims, including quotes by Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
“From top to bottom, our city is putting its best foot forward to welcome the world to the New Philadelphia,” City Representative Sheila Hess said. “These scrims are just a small part of the comprehensive work being done by a multitude of stakeholders as we make final preparations for the convention. We are thankful to the Host Committee for spearheading this and so many other initiatives that will make our city shine ever more brightly for the international spotlight.”
The DNC will take place at the Wells Fargo Center from July 25-28.
