City prepares to host Indiana Democratic Party's Convention

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The city of Fort Wayne is once again preparing to roll out the red carpet for a major state event.  The Indiana Democratic Party’s State Convention will be held this week at the Grand Wayne Center.

More than 2,000 people are expected to travel to the city starting Thursday for the weekend event.

Democrats from northeast Indiana made a strong push two years ago to host the convention outside its traditional location in Indianapolis.  The Indiana Democratic Party chose Fort Wayne as the first city to host the event other than the capitol in decades.

During the convention, the party will nominate candidates for Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Organizers have worked with several area businesses to schedule a program of entertainment including the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Embassy Theatre, the Fort Wayne History Center and DeBrand Chocolates.  Many scheduled activities will be open to the public.

“This is a huge opportunity for Fort Wayne to showcase itself to a convention that’s never been here," Dan O’Connell, president of Visit Fort Wayne said.

Visit Fort Wayne estimates the economic impact for the city to total around $500,000 from sales at area restaurants, hotels and other businesses.

Public Event Schedule – All Events are Free and Open to the Public:

Thursday at 1 p.m.  – Associated Churches Food Bank Community Service Activity

Thursday at 8 p.m. – Downtown Fort Wayne Trolley and Pub Crawl Starts at the Grand Wayne Center

Friday at 9 a.m. – Old Fort Demonstrations at the Old Fort Museum

Friday at 3 p.m. – Made in America / Northeastern Indiana Showcase at the Embassy Theater

Friday at 8 p.m. – Zach Wahls Live at the Embassy Theater