Minnesotans now have an opportunity to support the restoration of the State Capitol building by purchasing an official Minnesota Sesquicentennial license plate. Senator Ann H. Rest (DFL-New Hope) and Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission members sponsored legislation this past session authorizing the production of the new plates. They were unveiled last summer, but will be available well past the Sesquicentennial Year - three years, in fact, until 2011.
The new plates are light blue with the red, white and blue sesquicentennial logo on the left side and the phrase "Star of the North Sesquicentennial" written across the bottom. Plates can be purchased from any of the state's 173 Deputy Registrar offices for $35, plus an $8.50 filing fee. Twenty-five dollars of the purchase is a minimum, one-time donation to the restoration project at the Capitol. As of Nov. 13, over $32,275 had been raised through the sale of 1,291 plates.
In addition, the Sesquicentennial "Welcome" Road signs are available for purchase after they come down at the end of the year. They are currently posted at all the entry points into Minnesota. They are $250 each. Call or e-mail the Sesquicentennial office, and we can help make arrangements with the MnDOT to get you your sign (the one nearest your town).
The Sesquicentennial is a yearlong, statewide commemoration of 150 years of statehood and a catalyst to learn from our past and connect all Minnesotans in creating a thriving, innovative future.
The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission, created by the Legislature in 2005 to coordinate Sesquicentennial events and projects, selected four major theme areas for the 150th observances: Education, Innovation, Arts & Culture, and Health & Wellness. In addition, they will be shining the spotlight on Minnesota's natural resources and our great outdoors heritage.
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The Commission is joined in this effort by the Minnesota Historical Society, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota State College and University System as key players, along with Explore Minnesota Tourism, the Department of Natural Resources and other state agencies and private and non-profit partners.
