Media Advisory/Photo/Interview Opportunities

King and Queen of Sweden to Visit Minnesota and Dedicate American Swedish Institute’s New Nelson Cultural Center

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Swedish Institute:

WHAT: Minnesota’s Swedish spirit will be celebrated as hundreds of American Swedish Institute (ASI) supporters, local children and community members gather for King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden’s visit to Minnesota, Oct. 4-6, 2012.

Highlights of the visit include:

• The King and Queen will dedicate ASI’s new Nelson Cultural Center, a stunning community gathering place respecting the culture and art of Sweden.
• A gala will honor the Royal couple.
• Their majesties will also attend Gustavus Adolphus College’s 150^th anniversary celebration in Saint Peter, Minn.

It has been 10 years since the last visit by the King and Queen of Sweden.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 4-Saturday, Oct. 6 (photos and B-roll of visit will be available to media)

Thursday, Oct. 4: King and Queen arrive in Twin Cities.

Friday, Oct. 5 (10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.): King and Queen will attend the Gustavus Adolphus 150^th anniversary celebration and dedication of Sesquicentennial Plaza. King and Queen will make remarks at events.

Saturday, Oct. 6:

10 a.m. (9:30 a.m. – guests arrive) – King and Queen will attend a reception at the Governor’s Residence hosted by Gov. Mark Dayton with 150 guests. Members of the media are welcome to visit the Governor’s residence for a photo opportunity at 10 a.m. Media will not be able to attend the reception.

2 p.m. – King and Queen will dedicate the Nelson Cultural Center at ASI outdoor ceremony with 450 guests. King to make remarks (only Twin Cities event where King will speak); ASI presents gifts to the King and Queen; and ASI musicians to perform to Royalty.

• Noon – media may come to ASI to set up and conduct pre-event interviews.
• 1:45 p.m. – media must be set up for the dedication ceremony and must be stationary from this time through the dedication ceremony.

Parking is limited at ASI. Street parking or nearby ramps or lots are your best option. Contact us for more parking information. Allow ample time for parking and to be situated by 1:45. There will be set media areas at the dedication, available on a first come, first served basis. Any media arrivals after 1:45 p.m. will not be accommodated due to security measures.

5-6:30 p.m. – Cocktail reception leading up to the King and Queen’s celebration gala at the Hilton Minneapolis with 800 guests. During gala at 7 p.m. (not open to cameras), ASI and community leaders will speak; and evening will culminate with music and dancing led by Kustbandet, musical group from Stockholm, Sweden. Media members can attend the cocktail reception for photo opportunities.

WHERE: The American Swedish Institute, Gustavus Adolphus College, Governor’s Mansion, Hilton Minneapolis

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES (King and Queen are NOT available for interviews; other interviews will need to be confirmed based on availability):

• Pre-visit – Interviews with ASI around steps to prepare for a Royal visit and the impact the visit will have on Minnesota; and Swedish musicians or Swedish chef/baker who will perform and prepare food for the Royalty
• During Visit – Photo opportunities of King and Queen with Minnesota community at events
• Swedish Ambassador to U.S. Hafström and U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Mark Francis Brzezinski
• Swedish sister city Uppsala Mayor Fredrik Ahlstedt and Värmland, Sweden Gov. Eva Eriksson
• Minnesota governmental dignitaries including Gov. Dayton and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak
• Children in traditional Swedish clothes talking about their excitement for the event (including the children who will be presenting flowers to the King and Queen)
• Activities inside the ASI Nelson Cultural Center

About The American Swedish Institute

Founded in 1929 by Swedish immigrant newspaper publisher Swan J. Turnblad, The American Swedish Institute is a historic house, museum and cultural center offering a variety of programs designed to celebrate Swedish and Swedish-American culture. The institute is housed in the former Turnblad mansion, which was built between 1904 and 1908, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit www.asimn.org.