Civicfest

CivicFest is a great, big, sloppy kiss for the executive branch of the federal government. And what better time than during the Republican National Convention? The thorough history of the leaders of the free world is displayed at CivicFest, complete with an exhibit of presidential china through the decades, a selection of flags from America's earliest days, and a look at presidents and their pets. But along with these typical history-museum pieces, CivicFest brings an interactive experience normally reserved for museums on the level of the Smithsonian. Through ridiculously detailed, full-size replicas, visitors can get a feel of all the perks that come with being president, but without the fate of the nation weighing on them. Take the president's oath of office, feel the power of sitting behind the desk in a recreation of the Oval Office, or kick back in a full-scale model of Air Force One's fuselage. There will also be two real presidential limousines, a replica convention floor, and a 60-foot White House facade. Governmental journalism geeks will get the chance to gush over the bright-red 45-foot C-SPAN bus with multimedia shows. Rarely is patriotism this much fun.
Fri., Aug. 29, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., Aug. 30, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 31, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sept. 1-3, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thu., Sept. 4, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 2008