Painted Donkeys Arrive Ahead of the DNC

With Philadelphia hosting the DNC in a few short months, excitement about the event is beginning to rise. It was announced recently that a Center City art installation will match up with the event, one celebrating not only American Democrats, but each state from which they arrive as well.

Pennsylvania’s donkey is shown in this picture. (Photo credit: AP)

Starting on July 1st, fifty-seven fiberglass donkeys will be displayed around town. They will each represent a state, a U.S. territory, Washington, D.C., or delegates abroad. Each donkey will be painted with iconic images from the place or people it is designed to represent. Pennsylvania’s donkey was the first to be unveiled this week. It is painted royal blue with yellow ears. According to press, it “depicts Pennsylvania icons such as the Liberty Bell, Amish country and the state’s flag, bird and flower.”

Former Governor Ed Rendall is the brains behind “Donkeys Around Town,” the name that has been given to the exhibit. He told press that, with the painted animals, he hopes to “get residents in the convention spirit and encourage delegates and other visitors to explore the city. He was inspired by a similar art installation in Erie some years ago that had the effect of really hyping locals and visitors alike on exploring the city and getting out there, so to speak.

Look for the donkeys at important meeting spots around town, including the Betsy Ross House and the Museum of Art, for example.

Before you get any brilliant ideas for social media photographs – there is no climbing on the donkeys, kids, even though each one can withstand weights of up to two hundred and fifty pounds. They will also have large metal bases that make them difficult to knock over. But the authorities are clear that there will be no donkey-riding. There will be security on site with each donkey to ensure that the rule is followed as well.