The DNC Lowdown for Local Charlotte Families

I know, you are SICK of hearing about the DNC.  But, have you heard?  You don’t have to necessarily fly the coop next week.  There are some things that you and your family might enjoy participating in that involve the DNC.  Even if you are a Republican.  (Gasp.)

Here are some things you might want to check out:

Ongoing:

1.  The Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee has partnered with the Catawba Lands Conservancy and Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation to host tours and fitness activities on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway during convention week.

Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning during Convention Week, educational tours will be held with several stops along the trail from 10 -11:30 am. Participants will learn about the Greenway and Thread Trail system from various speakers on urban planning, historical, environmental, and health backgrounds.
More info: http://charlottein2012.com/

2.  The Presidential Experience:  Friday, August 31, 2012, through Saturday, September 8, 2012, 10AM to 8PM, Address: 407 West Third Street, Website http://presidentialexperience.com/exhibits/our-next-exhibit-3/

As the largest traveling exhibition of Presidential icons of the modern Presidency, guests can climb aboard Air Force One, sit in the full-sized Oval Office replica, sign a bill into law and have their photo taken sitting behind the replica Presidents’ Resolute desk.

Labor Day, Monday September 3rd: CarolinaFest.
Two words: James Taylor. Oh, and Jeff Bridges band will also be playing.  Did I mention it’s free?

CarolinaFest is a free family-friendly Labor Day Celebration that will occur in Uptown Charlotte and will feature interactive expositions, family oriented-activities, live music, speakers, and history in the making. The event will be held on Tryon Street in the heart of convention facilities and serve as the kick-off to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
More info: http://charlottein2012.com/multimedia/press/releases/james_taylor_to_perform_at_carolinafest/

Tuesday, September 4th,  4pm: Little Sugar Creek Greenway Bike Ride with Trips for Kids
Meet in the parking lot at the northeast corner of Baxter and Kings Drive in the Metropolitan Center, for a leisurely 7 mile (1 hour) kids’ bike ride (parents welcome) on the gorgeous Sugar Creek Greenway, Tuesday, September 4th at 4 PM.
More info: http://charlottein2012.com/events/sugar_creek_greenway_kids’_ride

Wednesday, September 5th, 10 am: First Ward Sense and Science Garden Inaugural Planting
On Wednesday, September 5, CMS second graders at First Ward Creative Arts Academy and farmers from the 7th Street Public Market will plant the inaugural fruit and vegetable garden at the school’s Wells Fargo Sense and Science Garden.
More info: http://charlottein2012.com/events/first_ward_sense_and_science_garden_inaugural_planting

A few pointers about attending any events or traveling near Center City:
You will NOT be able to park downtown.  Here are the suggested alternatives:
http://charlottein2012.com/transportation/

It will be crowded, their will be security, but it will be a unique opportunity to see the biggest event to ever hit Charlotte.  If you go and you bring your kids, bring some patience too!

If you know of any other family-friendly and open events surrounding the DNC, feel free to let us know, and we’ll add them to the list.