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.
“PoliticalFest”When: Open every day through Thurday, August 3Where: Pennsylvania Convention CenterHost: Philadelphia 2000 Host CommitteeDetails: See Saturday’s description
Various state delegation partiesWhen: TBDWhere: TBDHosts: Philadelphia 2000 Host Committee and Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing CorpDetails: TBD
Liberty Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks SpectacularWhen: 8 p.m. ETWhere: Along the Delaware RiverHost: Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing CorpDetails: Delegates will gather on the New Jersey side of the river in front of the New Jersey State Aquariam and the public will watch the parade near Penn’s Landing on the Pennsylvania side.
Monday, July 31
“Best Little Warehouse in Philadelphia” PartyWhen: 9 p.m.-3 a.m. ETWhere: Ortlieb’s Brewery and WarehouseHost: Ohio Rep. John BoehnerDetails: This party will be a regular feature of convention week — there’s one scheduled for every night. Organizers are billing it as “the ticket” in town during the week. Admission is by credential only and guests will include House and Senate members, elected officials and special guests.
2000 Salute to the House Commerce CommitteeWhen: 6:30-11 p.m. ETWhere: American Bandstand TheaterHost: TBDDetails: American Bandstand legend Dick Clark will be on hand along with Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell and Frankie Avalon for this party’s buffet, open bar and dancing.
“Fight Night: National Republican Senatorial Committee Main Event”When: 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ETWhere: Navy Yard, Terminal 3 BuildingHost: NRSCDetails: The party begins after the conclusion of Monday night’s convention session. Special guests include boxing greats Michael Spinx, Larry Holmes and Joe Fraiser, as well as the current lightweight champion Roy Jones, Jr. Invited guests include senators and guests, selected state delegations and NRSC donors.
Tuesday, August 1
“PoliticalFest”When: Open every day through Thurday, August 3Where: Pennsylvania Convention CenterHost: Philadelphia 2000 Host CommitteeDetails: See Saturday’s description
“Insider’s Briefing’ on the Bush campaignWhen: 9:30-11 a.m.Where: Union League ClubHost: Missouri Rep. Roy Blunt in conjunction with Majority Whip DeLay’s officeDetails: Chief Deputy Blunt hosts a daily insider’s briefing for members to get an “insider’s” perspective into the Bush campaign. Speakers will include Bush chief strategist Karl Rove, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and members of the Texas and Missouri delegations.
National Republican Senatorial Committee NASCAR “Race to Victory” LuncheonWhen: 12-2 p.m. ETWhere: Navy Yard, Terminal 3 BuildingHosts: Senators Wayne Allard, Jon Kyl, Jeff Sessions and Ben Nighthorse CampbellDetails: The luncheon will feature 10-15 current NASCAR drivers, including Bobby Labonte. Senate members, delegates and donors who attend can get their picture taken with the drivers or with some of the NASCAR race cars that will be on display.
House of Representatives Leadership PartyWhen: TBDWhere: Electric Factory, 421 North Seventh StreetHost: Majority Whip Tom DeLayDetails: Entertainment includes the rock group Blues Traveler.
Log Cabin Republicans receptionWhen: 4-6 p.m. ETWhere: Sofitel Philadelphia HotelHost: Log Cabin RepublicansDetails: TBD
“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: See Sunday’s description
“Best Little Warehouse in Philadelphia” PartyWhen: 9 p.m.-3 a.m. ETWhere: Ortlieb’s Brewery and WarehouseHost: Ohio Rep. John BoehnerDetails: See Monday’s description
GOP 2000 Mardi Gras French Quarter Carnival Street FairWhen: 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ETWhere: Navy Pier, cruise ship terminalHost: Various undisclosed sponsorsDetails: This half-indoor/half-outdoor “street party” is being held in honor of Louisiana Rep. Bill Tauzin and will feature floats in a mini-parade to recreate the Mardi Gras flavor. Guests include elected officials, sponsors and delegates. Typical Louisiana fare like fried alligator and jumbalaya will be served, and regional band Bijou Boys will join the “Neville Family Experience” (otherwise known as the Neville Brothers) to entertain the crowd.
Wednesday, August 2
“PoliticalFest”When: Open every day through Thurday, August 3Where: Pennsylvania Convention CenterHost: Philadelphia 2000 Host CommitteeDetails: See Saturday’s description
“Insider’s Briefing’ on the Bush campaignWhen: 9:30-11 a.m.Where: Union League ClubHost: Missouri Rep. Roy Blunt in conjunction with Majority Whip DeLay’s officeDetails: See Tuesday’s description
“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: See Sunday’s description
Fund-raiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s ResearchWhen: 10 p.m.-2 a.m. ETWhere: Kenneth Cole shoe store, 1420 Walnut StreetHosts: George magazine and the Creative CoalitionDetails: The fundraiser is being held to “raise money and awareness” for Parkinson’s disease and topping the guest list will be actor Michael J. Fox himself. Former first lady Nancy Reagan serves as an Honorary Chairperson for the benefit but she will not be attending (checking.) Notables on the co-host committee are: Sen. John McCain, Sen. Arlen Specter, and Arianna Huffington. A similar and more star-studded party to raise money for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation will be held by the same hosts at the Democratic Convention in Los Angeles.
“Best Little Warehouse in Philadelphia” PartyWhen: 9 p.m.-3 a.m. ETWhere: Ortlieb’s Brewery and WarehouseHost: Ohio Rep. John BoehnerDetails: See Monday’s description
Thursday, August 3
“PoliticalFest”When: Open every day through Thurday, August 3Where: Pennsylvania Convention CenterHost: Philadelphia 2000 Host CommitteeDetails: See Saturday’s description
“Insider’s Briefing’ on the Bush campaignWhen: 9:30-11 a.m.Where: Union League ClubHost: Missouri Rep. Roy Blunt in conjunction with Majority Whip DeLay’s officeDetails: See Tuesday’s description
“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: See Sunday’s description
“Best Little Warehouse in Philadelphia” PartyWhen: 9 p.m.-3 a.m. ETWhere: Ortlieb’s Brewery and WarehouseHost: Ohio Rep. John BoehnerDetails: See Monday’s description
Salute to Gov. George W. BushWhen: Following the convention’s closing gavel (sometime after 11:30 p.m. ET)Where: First Union Spectrum Host: House Majority Leader Dick ArmeyDetails: This is “the” farewell party for the close of the convention with an expected crowd of 5,000 Congressional members, delegates and guests. Armey will honor his fellow Texan with a downhome theme featuring barbecue cuisine and country music provided by Brooks & Dunn. Several undisclosed sponsors will foot the bill. The party is closed press.