With the Democrats already cavorting in beautiful Denver, it's not too early to look ahead to the upcoming McCain Fest in Minnesota. Along with the serious business of nominating a presidential ticket, there'll be plenty of entertainment possibilities. We just checked out the party and event list compiled by The Hill in Washington, D.C., and there are highlights galore. First up is "A Very Minnesota Celebration" beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Not sure what that means, but a 9 a.m. start time certainly sounds right for a very Minnesota party. If that's too much excitement, consider the "American Demographics" forum at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Science Museum. Then there's the "Rebuilding New Orleans Brunch" at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Hotel Minneapolis. (It's not clear if it's a kickoff event for the rebuilding effort.) And what convention would be complete without the Beach Boys? You can catch them at 7:30 p.m. Monday at International Market Square in Minneapolis. The Hill's list of events follows...
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION PARTY LIST
By Emily Goodin
The following is a list of breakfasts, lunches, parties and other events at the Republican National Convention, accumulated from a variety of sources. Most of these events are invitation only (and no, we can't get you on the list).
Please check back as this list will be continuously updated as more information becomes available.
SATURDAY, Aug. 30:
Media Party, Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd St.
9 a.m.
Civic Fest — A Very Minnesota Celebration, sponsored by the Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.
5 p.m.
California delegation party, Bayview Events Center, 687 Excelsior Blvd.
7 p.m.
Northwood Nights celebration for Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis, Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St.
American Idol Live, Target Center, 600 First Ave. N.
SUNDAY, Aug. 31:
10 a.m.
Louisiana Delegation brunch, Crowne Plaza Brooklyn Center, 2200 Freeway Blvd.
10:30 a.m.
Ohio Republican Party welcome brunch, Radisson Plaza Hotel, 35 S 7th St.
11 a.m.
The Press and the Election: American Demographics forum sponsored by the Shorenstein Center/Harvard University, Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 Kellogg Blvd W.
1 p.m.
Northern Lights Hockey Team Delegate Ice Skate, Bloomington Ice Garden, 3600 W 98th St.
Republican Party of Wisconsin, Minikahda Club, 3205 Excelsior Blvd.
2 p.m.
Mpower Pictures Reception and Screening of "An American Carol," Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.
4 p.m.
A Salute to SEIU GOP Activists, sponsored by the Service Employees International Union, Saint Paul Curling Club, 470 Selby Ave.
6 p.m.
Delegate Party, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.
Republican State Leadership Committee, Opening Reception, Chambers Hotel, 901 Hennepin Ave.
6:30 p.m.
Ohio Republican Party, Welcome to the Twin Cities, Lilydale Yacht Club, 1600 Lilydale Rd.
Southern Company and Raytheon, Welcome Reception honoring Gov. Haley Barbour (R-Miss.), the Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd St.
8 p.m.
Republican Party of Virginia Arcade Night, Radisson University Hotel, 615 Washington Ave SE.
9 p.m.

Southern Delegation Party featuring Sammy Hagar, First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N.
An Evening in Venice, sponsored by the Connecticut Republicans, Holiday Inn, Maple Grove, 11801 Fountains Way N.
Kansas Delegation Hospitality Suite, Westin Edina Galleria, 3100 West 69th St.
10 p.m.

Salute to the Screen Actors Guild, sponsored by AT&T, Fine Line Music Café, 318 First Ave. N.
MONDAY, Sept. 1:
8 a.m.
Achieving Energy Independence, sponsored by the American Jewish Committee & Jewish Community Relations Council, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, STE 500
408 Saint Paul St.
9 a.m.
National Journal Group Daily Briefings, Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall.
9:30 a.m.

Rebuilding New Orleans brunch, sponsored by Broadway South, The Hotel Minneapolis, 215 Fourth Street South.
10 a.m.
McNally Smith College of Music Takin' It To The Streets!, Streets of Downtown Saint Paul.
10:30 a.m.
Kansas Delegation Hospitality Suite, Westin Edina Galleria, 3100 West 69th St.
11 a.m.
Republican State Leadership Committee Brunch, Walker Art Center, 112 Eatery.
11:30 a.m.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Lunch, Atrium at International Market Square.
12 p.m.

Affordable Housing Luncheon, sponsored by the National Association of Realtors, Minneapolis Rowing Club, 2968 W River Pkwy.
Labor Salutes the Republican Party, sponsored by the National Education Association, Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall.
2:30 p.m.
Convention doors open, Xcel Energy Center, Kellogg Boulevard and West Seventh St.
4 p.m.

Bank of America Goes Green reception, University Club of St. Paul Penthouse, 340 Cedar St.

TN Productions featuring a different governor each night, downtown Minneapolis.
Women In Leadership Walk the Red Carpet reception, sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St.
Republican National Lawyers Association, Minneapolis City Hall and Hennepin County Courthouse, 300 South 6th St.
Republican State Leadership Committee Hospitality Evening, Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub, 258 7th St W.
4:30 p.m.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Reception, The Union Depot, 214 E 4th St.

5 p.m.

California Delegates Reception, sponsored by AT&T, Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Ave.

Financial Services Industry Reception, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. First St.

7 p.m.ÿ
Convention Proceedings begin at the Xcel Center, Kellogg Boulevard and West Seventh St.

7:30 p.m.

Convention Kick-off featuring the Beach Boys, Atrium at International Market Square.
8 p.m.

Space Foundation Space Jam 2008, Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd.
9 p.m.
Spirits of Minneapolis Party, sponsored by Distilled Spirits Council and The Hill newspaper, with Times of London, Daimler, Amgen, Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Verisign, Weekly Standard, Lockheed Martin, Astra Zeneca, Direct Marketing Association, Federation of American Hospitals , Solera Restaurant, 900 Hennepin Ave.

All Star Fundraiser for the Katrina Recovery Victims and the Tipitina Foundation, sponsored by Friends of New Orleans, First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N.

Coalitions United featuring Smash Mouth, sponsored by Coalition for A Conservative Majority & Citizens United, Aqua Night Club, 401 First Ave.

Magnum Entertainment Event featuring Bobby Yang and Big Head Todd, sponsored by Magnum Entertainment, Fine Line Music Café, 318 First Ave. N.

10 p.m.

Reception for Michigan delegates, sponsored by AT&T, Karma Nightclub, 315 First Ave. N.

Political Chicks: Every Woman Counts Reception with LeAnn Rimes and Bellamy Brothers, sponsored by Lifetime/RightNOW!, Bar Fly, 711 Hennepin Ave.


After Hours Hospitality, sponsored by Patron Express, Club Car Train.
TUESDAY, Sept. 2:
8 a.m.
Advancing the Indian — Jewish Relationship , American Jewish Committee & Jewish Community Relations Council, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, STE 500
408 Saint Paul St.
Agriculture Issues Conference, sponsored by the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.
9:30 a.m.
National Journal Group Daily Briefings, Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall.
10 a.m.

FSR Brunch, Windows on Minnesota 80 South, 8th, 50th Floor, IDS Tower.
American Solutions for Winning the Future, Education Forum, Minneapolis Marriott City Center, 30 S 7th St.
Connecticut Republicans Gangster Tour and Lunch, Washaba Street Caves.
McNally Smith College of Music Takin' It To The Streets!, Streets of Downtown Saint Paul.

10:30 a.m.

A Day of Fun & Fashion at the Mall of America sponsored by ICSC and IFA, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minn.
Kansas Delegation Hospitality Suite, Westin Edina Galleria, 3100 West 69th St.
11 a.m.
Republican State Leadership Committee Brunch, Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall.
12 p.m.

State of Housing Industry luncheon sponsored by National Apartment Association, History Center Capitol Concourse, 345 Kellogg Blvd W.
Screening of the film "14 Women," sponsored Best Buy and the White House Project, Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd W.
Cerner Healthcare Policy Forum, James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave.
Republican Governors Association Luncheon featuring former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), the Depot Center, 722 Kasota Cir SE.
12:30 p.m.
Growth Opportunity & Prosperity forum, sponsored by the National Black Republican Leadership Council, Berean COGIC, 441 Rice St.
Financial Football with Adrian Peterson, sponsored by Visa and the NFL, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.

1 p.m.

Politics and the Media: Bridging the Political Divide in the 2008 Election, sponsored by U.S.C Annenberg's Center on Communication and Leadership/Politico, Minnesota Public Radio UBS Forum, 480 Cedar St.

Healthcare/Diabetes luncheon, sponsored by Eli Lilly, Great Waters Brewing Company, 426 St. Peter's St.
The ONE Campaign Community Service Project, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.

2 p.m.

IRI's Foreign Policy Forum sponsored by Daimler Company, The Ordway Center, 345 Washington St.
America's Path to Progress — A better energy future for America's families, sponsored by the Christian Coalition of America and National Wildlife Federation, University Club of Saint Paul on Summit Ave.
Education Forum on 21st Century Skills, sponsored by the National Education Association and the Republican Main Street Partnership, the Minneapolis Club, 729 Second Avenue S.
3 p.m.

Reception for Georgia Delegates, sponsored by AT&T, Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Ave.
Americans for the Arts, sponsored by the Na.m.M Foundation, Minnesota Children's Museum, 10 West Seventh St.

Serving the Unbanked: The Eastside Financial Center in Action, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Eastside Financial Center, 425 Portland Av. S.
3:30 p.m.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee VIP Reception, business cars located on the tracks near the corner of Ontario Street and Shepard Road.
4 p.m.

TN Productions (Southern states) featuring a different governor each night, downtown Minneapolis.

Celebration of Free Speech reception, sponsored by NAB, University Club lobby, 420 Summit Ave.
Republican State Leadership Committee Hospitality Evening, Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub, 258 7th St W.

4:30 p.m.

Building Stable Communities for America's Future, sponsored by Fannie Mae-Freddie Mae, NAHB, Realtors, Graves Hotel, 601 1st Avenue N.
The LIFE of the Party, sponsored by the Republican National Coalition for Life, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 11 East Kellogg Blvd.

5 p.m.

Texas Honky Tonk, featuring Gretchen Wilson, John Rich, and Cowboy Troy sponsored by AT&T, Trocaderos, 107 3rd Avenue N.
Circle of Friends salute to American Veterans, Commodore Hotel, 79 Western Ave. N.
Republican Majority for Choice Big Tent Celebration, Dove Hill, 1460 Colt Way.

6 p.m.

Young Guns Reception sponsored by AT&T, Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Ave.
7 p.m.

African American voter reception sponsored by AT&T, Karma Nightclub, 315 First Ave. N.

Convention Proceedings sponsored by TCC, Xcel Center, Kellogg Boulevard and West Seventh St.

8 p.m.

Minnesota Agri-Growth Council, featuring Styx Band sponsored by Food and Agricultural Industry, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.

9 p.m.

Mississippi Rising — Gov. Haley Barbour reception, sponsored by API, NMA, AGA, Haley and Friends, Epic, 510 1st Ave N.
Arab American Cultural Celebration, Arab American Institute Foundation, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.

Magnum Entertainment, featuring Jack Ingram and Robert Earl Keen, The Fine Line Music Café, 318 First Avenue N.

Bipartisan Policy Center, Bellanotte, 600 Hennepin Avenue, #170.
The Sun and Wind Reception, sponsored by the American Wind Energy Association and Solar Energy Industries Association, Solera, 900 Hennepin Ave.
GRa.m.MYs Rocks the Convention, sponsored by the GRa.m.MY Foundation, University of Minnesota.
9:30 p.m.
A Little Straight Rock, sponsored by the Arkansas Delegation, Spin Nightclub, 510 1st Ave N # 301.

10 p.m.

After hours hospitality, sponsored by Patron Express, Club Car Train.

Warehouse Productions Party with Duck Soup, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 North 1st St.

Hospitality Space sponsored by Honeywell, Citi, Anheuser Busch, McGovern's Tavern, 225 7th St W.

Shjon Podein Children's Foundation Benefit with Politics Magazine, Padelford Packet Riverboats, St. Paul.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 3:
8 a.m.
Issues for a Growing Latino — Jewish Coalition, American Jewish Committee & Jewish Community Relations Council, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, STE 500, 408 Saint Paul St.
9 a.m.
Retirement Security Breakfast Conference, Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.
Sharing Miracles- A Brunch and Healthy Living Expo, sponsored by PhRMA, The Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 Kellogg Blvd W.
9:30 a.m.
National Journal Group Daily Briefings, Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall.
10 a.m.

McNally Smith College of Music Takin' It To The Streets!, Streets of Downtown Saint Paul.
Energy and Commerce Issues Conference, sponsored by Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.

The ONE Campaign, panel discussions, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.
10:30 a.m.
Kansas Delegation Hospitality Suite, Westin Edina Galleria, 3100 West 69th St.
Healthcare Innovation Conference, sponsored by the Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee, Minneapolis Convention Center. 1301 2nd Ave S.
A Salute to Republican Party Chairman hosted by Pfizer and Ken Mehlman, Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave.

12 p.m.

Astrazenica Luncheon, Windows Restaurant, 80 S. Eighth St Suite 500.

Virginia Republican Party Jazz Brunch, Calhoun Beach Club, 2900 Thomas Avenue S.
Alabama Power Company VIP Reception, Minnesota Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Ave.
Building a Better, Safer World: What Would a McCain Presidency Do?, sponsored by the Center for U.S. Global Engagement, Humphrey Center, 301 19th Ave. S
Latino Leaders Network Luncheon, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave S.
Calhoun Beach Club Jazz Brunch, sponsored by the Republican Party of Virginia, Calhoun Beach Club, 2900 Thomas Ave S.
Republican State Leadership Committee luncheon, Lilydale Yacht Club, 1600 Lilydale Rd.
12:30 p.m.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee VIP luncheon, business cars located on the tracks near the corner of Ontario Street and Shepard Road.
Republican Leadership Council Luncheon, Great Waters Brewery, 426 Saint Peter St.
3 p.m.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee VIP Reception on a private boat.

3:30 p.m.
Innovation in Education, Verizon and Jobs for America's Graduates, Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd W.
4 p.m.

TN Productions (Southern States) featuring governor each night, downtown Minneapolis.

Shining Star Dave Thomas Foundation reception, sponsored by Congressional Quarterly, University Club Ballroom.
Republican State Leadership Committee Hospitality Evening, Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub, 258 7th St W.
5 p.m.
Music at the Mill, sponsored by the Republican Governors Association, Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St.
7 p.m.

Convention proceedings Xcel Center, Kellogg Boulevard and West Seventh St.

7:30 p.m.
Rage Against the Machine, Target Center, 600 First Avenue North.
9 p.m.

AT&T Reception for Ohio delegates, Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet St.

Daimer honors Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina delegates, Windows on Minnnesota, The Marquette Hotel/IDS Center, 710 Marquette Ave.

Red State Revolution, sponsored by GOPAC, Chino Latino, 2916 Hennepin Ave.

Magnum Entertainment, featuring Super Diamond and Boogie Knights, Fine Line Music Café, 318 First Ave. N.

10 p.m.

Creative Coalition Gala Concert featuring the Charlie Daniels Band, sponsored by Target, The Depot, 300 Washington Ave S.

The One Campaign & Recording Industry Association of America featuring Daughtry, Epic, N. 5th St.

Warehouse Productions Party featuring Duck Soup, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 N. 1st St.

After hours hospitality sponsored by Patron Express, Club Car Train.
American Gaming Association and Poker Players Alliance Texas Hold 'Em Tournament Honoring Paralyzed Veterans of America, 116 First Ave. S.

11 p.m.

Hospitality Space sponsored by Honeywell, Citi, Anheuser Busch, McGovern's Tavern, 225 7th St W.
THURSDAY, Sept. 4:

8 a.m.

Delegation Breakfast with guest speaker Gov. Bob Riley (R-Ala.), sponsored by Daimer Co., The Marquette Hotel, Lake Superior Room, 710 Marquette Ave.
America and the Quest for Middle East Peace and Security, sponsored by the American Jewish Committee & Jewish Community Relations Council, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, STE 500 408 Saint Paul St.
9 a.m.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee VIP Brunch, the Minneapolis Club, 729 Second Avenue S.
9:30 a.m.
National Journal Group Daily Briefings, Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Mall.
10 a.m.

McNally Smith College of Music Takin' It To The Streets!, Streets of Downtown Saint Paul.
10:30 a.m.
Kansas Delegation Hospitality Suite, Westin Edina Galleria, 3100 West 69th St.
12 p.m.

Routable Luncheon: One Minute with the President, sponsored by A.A. Nurse Anesthesiologists/Creative Coalition, Hard Rock Café, 600 Hennepin Ave.
Connecticut Republicans Fun & Games, Dave & Busters, 11660 Fountains Dr. N.
3:30 p.m.
Verizon and Blue Bunny Minnesota and Iowa Ice Cream Social, Alexander Ramsey House, 265 Exchange St S.
4 p.m.

TN Productions Featuring a different Governor each night, downtown Minneapolis.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee Reception, Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 Kellogg Blvd W.
Republican State Leadership Committee Hospitality Evening, Tom Reid's Hockey City Pub, 258 7th St W.
7 p.m.

Convention Proceedings, sponsored by TCC, Xcel Center, Kellogg Boulevard and West Seventh St.

Hispanic voter reception sponsored by AT&T, Karma Nightclub, 315 First Ave. N.

9 p.m.

ACUF Tribute to the Reagan Revolution, sponsored by AT&T, AQUA Nightclub, 400 1st Ave N.

AT&T Reception for Texas delegates, Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Ave.

Tribute to the Reagan Revolution: '80s Celebration Reception sponsored by the American Conservative Union Foundation, AQUA Nightclub, 400 1st Ave N.
Red, HOT Y Azul: Celebrating the 2008 Latino Vote sponsored by the Hispanic Coalition, Karma Nightclub, 315 1st Ave N.

10:00p.m.

After Hours Hospitality, Patron Express, Club Car Train.

Warehouse Productions Party featuring Duck Soup, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 North 1st St.

11 p.m.

Hospitality space sponsored by Honeywell, Citi, Anheuser Busch, McGovern's Tavern, 225 7th St W.
FRIDAY, Sept. 5:

4 p.m.

TN Productions featuring a different governor each night, Downtown Minneapolis.

10 p.m.

Warehouse Productions Party featuring Duck Soup, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, 105 North 1st St.

11 p.m.

Hospitality space sponsored by Honeywell, Citi, Anheuser Busch, McGovern's Tavern, 225 7th St W.