Will St. Paul be Ready for the RNC?

Apart from during the Winter Carnival and on St. Patrick's Day, I've never seen downtown St. Paul so busy. It's full of two things: people and flowers. Beds planted, hanging baskets lovingly tended, and mobile flower beds parked outside the Landmark Center for the occasion. I was wondering why everyone I've met recently had a cold. Perhaps it's actually hay fever. Bring your Benadryl, Republican visitors, or hope downtown St. Paul's only pharmacies (Walgreens, 425 Wabasha Street at the Seventh Place Mall, and another in United Hospital, 331 Smith Avenue) have plenty in stock.

It looks like there is still much to do. The beds outside the Ordway Center on Rice Park are empty, the outside broadcast units are still getting organized and wired, stages are being built and a gigantic television screen directly opposite the Xcel Center was being hoisted up today. People working on various projects generally looked relaxed, so I expect it's all in hand and we'll look spic and span for our visitors.

_{Photo Clara James}