Guide to Philadelphia's Best Convention Parties

— -- When thousands of Republicans descend on Philadelphia, they will be doing a lot more than merely nominating George W. Bush as their presidential candidate — they are coming to party. In the grand tradition of convention celebrations, this year’s line-up of parties, receptions, and special events promises to keep the delegates up late every night.

Saturday, July 29

A Taste of Philadelphia

When: 6-8 p.m. ETWhere: Pennsylvania Convention CenterHost: Philadelphia 2000 host committeeDetails: The media covering the convention are invited to this kick-off party featuring food samples from 150 of the Keystone State’s finest restaurants.

“PoliticalFest”When: Open every day through Thurday, August 3Where: Pennsylvania Convention CenterHost: Philadelphia 2000 Host CommitteeDetails: Being dubbed a “political world’s fair,” this exhibit will feature interactive exhibits, presidential artifacts and even a replica of the Oval Office and Air Force One that visitors can walk through. It will also feature “The Convention of Bells” — a Liberty Bell exhibit with bells submitted from every state. Contributions include a bell made of coconut fiber and rattan from Hawaii and a bell made from lariat rope from Wyoming.

Sunday, July 30

Convention Kick-Off Party When: 5:30-8 p.m. ETWhere: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Main HallHost: Oklahoma Rep. J.C. WattsDetails: This is the unofficial “launch party” for convention week. The Temptations will be performing at the Motown-themed party, and Chrysler-Daimler is picking up the party’s tab. Guests will include members of Congress and their families, convention delegates and elected officials.

“Whistle Stop Party” When: 5-7 p.m. ETWhere: First Union CenterHost: Americans for a Republican Majority (House Majority Whip Tom DeLay’s political action committee)Details: The “Whistle Stop” parties will celebrate GOP presidential candidates from various regions of the country. The parties will honor Abraham Lincoln of the Midwest, Theodore Roosevelt of the Northeast, Ronald Reagan of the West, and, of course, George W. Bush of the Southeast. A crowd of 1,500 members of Congress, delegates and PAC donors is expected. Five old-fashioned Union Pacific train cars will be set up outside of the First Union Center — courtesy of DeLay — all week long and will serve as a hospitality area for House members to rest or grab a bite to eat away from the convention hall.

Official Welcome for the Texas DelegationWhen: 5:30-7 p.m. ETWhere: Curtis Center (across from Independence Hall)Host: House Majority Whip Tom DeLayDetails: This is the one official event honoring the Texas delegation and officially authorized by the Bush campaign (although Bush will not be attending since he doesn’t arrive in Philadelphia until Thursday). Guests will be offered private historical tours of Independence Hall.