Democratic National Convention: Charlotte, NC, and Democrats gear up (VIDEO)
President Barack Obama receives applause from Democratic National Committee chairman Tim Kaine (L) as he delivers remarks at the DNC winter meeting on February 6, 2010 in Washington, DC. Top party officials and supporters gathered for the annual meeting to map out their agenda for the year.
Charlotte, NC, officials, event planners and protesters are spending Labor Day weekend putting the finishing touches on preparations for the Democratic National Convention, which rolls into town on Sept. 4.
The city today banned individuals from carrying water bottles, hair spray, socks and magic markers, among other items, in Charlotte’s central business district, as part of temporary security rules designed to protect delegates, the Associated Press reported.
Also banned for anyone other than government employees: handbags and backpacks, soda cans, drink coolers, scarves, bike helmets, baby strollers and pets, the AP reported.
North Carolina allows people to carry firearms in public places, so handguns and rifles are still allowed, the AP noted.
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Occupy Wall Street, tea partiers and other protesters are expected to make an appearance in Charlotte, where Bank of America’s headquarters are located, the AP reported. A “March on Wall Street South” is scheduled for Sunday.
Some 400 events around the convention are planned, ranging from policy briefings to corporate-sponsored parties, the Los Angeles Times reported. According to the LA Times, the hot tickets include a briefing breakfast Thursday morning with First Lady Michelle Obama and “Super-O-Rama,” a Thursday night party hosted by actress Jessica Alba and producer Cash Warren with performances by Pitbull and Scissor Sisters.