Contact: Jim Collins
Phone: 336-337-2105

Event Information Released for the Opening Ceremony of
the International Civil Rights Center & Museum

GREENSBORO, NC – (January 26, 2010) – The City of Greensboro welcomes a new destination attraction with the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for the International Civil Rights Center & Museum at 203 S. Elm St. on Monday, February 1. The opening ceremony, which begins at 8 am, is free and open to the public. The main public entrance for the event will be at the intersection of Elm and Washington streets and will open at 6 am.

People interested in attending the ceremony, as well as those who live and work in the downtown Greensboro area, should be aware of the following information:

Parking - Downtown parking decks will operate as normal. However, due to anticipated heavy demand for parking, decks are expected to reach capacity quickly. People are encouraged to adjust their working hours and carpool if possible, and use the complimentary shuttle service (see Shuttle Service below).

Street Closures - Beginning at 2 pm Sunday, January 31, Elm Street will close from Market Street to Washington Street and February One Place will close from Greene Street to Davie Street. At 6 pm Sunday, January 31, one lane of Greene Street will close from Market Street to the Greene Street Parking Deck. At 5:30 am on Monday, February 1, Davie Street will close to through traffic. All streets will reopen at approximately 2 pm Monday, February 1, as City crews complete the event removal. Review a map of street closures at www.greensboro-nc/gov.

Shuttle Service - Beginning at 6 am Monday, February 1, shuttle bus service will be available from Parking Zone F of the Greensboro Coliseum Complex main parking lot to downtown Greensboro, unloading and loading at the bus stop near the intersection of Greene Street and Washington Street. The shuttle bus service is for anyone needing downtown access or for City staff parking. This free service is provided by Greensboro Transit Authority.

Trash/Recycling Collections - There will be no downtown collection services on Monday, February 1. Collections will instead take place on Saturday and Sunday, January 30-31.

Weather - The ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, February 1, is scheduled to take place regardless of weather conditions, so people are encouraged to dress accordingly.

Prohibited Items - These items are prohibited at the ribbon cutting ceremony:
   • Alcoholic beverages
   • Artificial noisemakers
   • Bags or backpacks (larger than a small purse)
   • Chains or sticks of any length (non-medical use canes)
   • Glass or metal containers
   • Coolers (unless containing medical supplies)
   • Fireworks or any type of explosives
   • Illegal drugs
   • Knives of any size
   • Laser pointers
   • Pets (except service animals for the disabled)
   • Weapons of any description (weapons carried with a permit are also prohibited)
   • Signs, banners, flags or any other items that would either obstruct the view of an attendee or serve as a dangerous projectile or security risk.
   • Other items that in the judgment of City officials pose a safety risk or diminish the enjoyment of the event by other patrons.

Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted, subject to inspection. All bags are subject to inspection. Umbrellas will only be permitted in event of rain or if rain is forecasted.

For more information, visit the museum’s Web site at www.sitinmovement.org or Downtown Greensboro Inc. at www.downtowngreensboro.net.

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The City of Greensboro works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members. For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 373-CITY (2489).