The city of Winona will be honored as a “Capital for a Day” during Minnesota’s 150th anniversary celebration.

Winona will be recognized, along with four other communities, during Minnesota’s Statehood Week, May 11-18, 2008.

Communities are listed for each biome (biological zone). Winona was elected as a “driftless area,” meaning it is the only area of Minnesota never covered by a glacier.

The other winning communities are Bemidji (coniferous forest zone), Detroit Lakes (deciduous forest zone), New Ulm (prairie grasslands) and Thief River Falls (tallgrass aspen parklands).

During each community’s day, Sesquicentennial Commissioners, state officials and local dignitaries will visit the area for events and programs. An official recognition ceremony will begin a celebration in the community. Visitors will be given a tour of the area and some of the local historic landmarks. A civic roundtable based on the Sesquicentennial Commission’s ongoing “Plan for our Future” community meetings will be a highlight of the day’s activities.

Beginning in January 2008, Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial will be a yearlong, statewide commemoration and catalyst, to honor the past and connect all Minnesotans in creating a thriving and innovative future.

For more information call Brian McClung at (651) 296-0001.