Democratic convention dropping NASCAR kick-off

below, from the Democratic convention Charlotte Host Committee…..

RELEASE: CarolinaFest 2012 Moves to Uptown Charlotte

Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee announced that it is moving CarolinaFest 2012 – the family friendly Labor Day celebration and convention week kick off event – from Charlotte Motor Speedway to Uptown Charlotte. The move places the kick off event in the center of convention related events and will give more Americans access to convention activity in a centralized location.

The following statement is from Dan Murrey, Executive Director of the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee:

“Our goal in hosting CarolinaFest to kick-off the 2012 Democratic National Convention is to provide an open and accessible convention experience to more Americans than ever before. In order to facilitate public caucus meetings – and to maximize accessibility, transportation, and proximity of all guests – we have decided that moving CarolinaFest 2012 to Uptown Charlotte is the best way to achieve that goal. While we regret having to move CarolinaFest away from our great partners at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the City of Concord, we are thrilled with the opportunity that comes with hosting this event in Uptown Charlotte.

“The location of CarolinaFest 2012 has changed but the elements of the event will not. Guests attending CarolinaFest 2012 will enjoy a free event with interactive expositions, family oriented activities, live music, speakers and history in the making, all in a centralized location. The event location on Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte puts the celebration in the middle of the 2012 Democratic National Convention’s facilities: Time Warner Cable Arena, the Charlotte Convention Center, and Bank of America Stadium. Caucus meetings are open to the public and will be easily accessible from CarolinaFest 2012. The move will make it easy for Charlotte-area residents to utilize public transportation to attend the event and provides additional economic opportunities for local businesses.

“The Democratic National Convention will bring the attention of the nation and the world to our city and region. CarolinaFest 2012 provides an outstanding opportunity to showcase our area to visitors and give locals an opportunity to participate in the convention.”

Those interested in more information should sign up for updates at www.CarolinaFest2012.com.

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The Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee is a non-profit, non-partisan organization established by the city of Charlotte to fulfill obligations of the master contract with the Democratic National Convention Committee. In addition to those obligations, Charlotte in 2012 works to engage the citizens of Charlotte and the Carolinas through business and civic opportunities, ensure that the Convention leaves a positive lasting legacy, and tell Charlotte and the region’s story to the nation and the world. For more information, visit us online at www.charlottein2012.com.