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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Donna Andrews or Rebecca Rodgers
St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission
(314) 421-1023 or pr@explorestlouis.com
Your readers should call 1-800-916-0040 (USA and Canada) or 1-314-421-1023 for a free copy of the Official St. Louis Visitors Guide or point, click and explore St. Louis online at www.explorestlouis.com
ST. LOUIS' GATEWAY CLASSIC FEATURES A FULL WEEKEND OF FUN
ST. LOUIS -- August 21, 2008 -- The 2008 Gateway Classic returns to the Gateway City with a full slate of festivities. "Action-packed" doesn't even begin to describe the litany of events, festivities and fun that will be taking place in conjunction with this year's game.
The 7th Annual Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place at noon on Sunday, September 21 at the Gateway Classic Foundation Gymnasium. This year's class of honorees includes: journalist Russ Mitchell; activist Ivory Perry; Andy's Seasonings founders Katherine and Rueben Anderson; Rev. Dr. John Hicks and Dr. Ruth Harris, Montford Point Marines and Gateway National Bank Founders.
Dick Gregory will kick off the football weekend a little early with an appearance on Thursday, September 25. The comedian and activist will perform in the President Casino's Galaxy Room. On Friday, September 26, the St. Louis Rams Coaches Luncheon will be held at the Gateway Classic Foundation. The event, which starts at noon, features special guests including former Rams' tight end Roland Williams; SIU-C men's basketball coach Chris Lowery; and former football Cardinals Johnny Roland and Mel Gray. At 5 p.m., the party really gets underway with the Downtown St. Louis Partnership Pep Rally in Baer Plaza across from the Edward Jones Dome.
At 7 p.m., the Sodexo Lifetime Achievement Awards Scholarship Dinner takes place at the Millennium Hotel Grand Ballroom. The black tie event, which features a VIP reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., will honor a number of prominent African-Americans, including: Mary Wilson of The Supremes; actor Richard Roundtree; boxer Evander Holyfield; original members of the 5th Dimension; Patricia Russell McCloud; NCL Hall of Famer Michael Haynes; Rev. Dr. F. James Clark; Minister Donald Muhammad; Michael and Steven Roberts; and St. Louis Police Officer Norvelle Brown (posthumously).
As the sun rises on Saturday, September 27, the "The Spirit of Sports" Parade steps off at 9 a.m. from Market and 10th Streets. Then, it's time to get your game face on and head over to the Edward Jones Dome for the big event - the American Family Insurance Gateway Football Classic. The Thorobreds of Kentucky State tangle with the Tigers of Stillman College, and the halftime entertainment will be the AmerenUE Battle of the Bands. Afterwards, the post-game celebrations continue at various downtown hotels.
Additional events taking place downtown during the weekend include a three game series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium http://www.stlcardinals.com/, and "ParkPalooza" at the Gateway Arch. The family fun fest takes place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., September 27-28 on the Arch grounds and encourages kids and adults to explore the world of national parks. There will be a number of "how-to" activities, such as how to set up a backcountry tent, fly fish, pack a backpack for hiking/camping, and how to use a compass. There will also be rock climbing, virtual geocashing, crafts, animals, and live entertainment. For more information, call 314-982-1410 or visit http://www.parkpalooza.org/.
One of St. Louis' most popular events takes place at Soldiers Memorial, September 26 - 28. The Taste of St. Louis features top restaurants selling "tastes" of their specialties, free concerts by national headliners, along with the ArtDimensions Village, Grant's Farm Kid Zone, The St. Louis Bread Company Culinary Competition, and much more. Visit http://www.tastestl.com/ or call 314-306-1162.
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MEDIA NOTE: For more information or photography of St. Louis, send an e-mail to pr@explorestlouis.com or call Becky Sharp at 1-314-992-0652. For up-to-date information about St. Louis, your readers should call the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission at 1-800-916-0040 or check out our website at www.explorestlouis.com. This news release is also available in electronic form. To obtain an electronic version, e-mail your request to pr@explorestlouis.com or go to St. Louis’ online media center at www.explorestlouis.com/media.
