We want to look good when the Republicans (and more importantly, the international media) come to town in five weeks for the Republican National Convention, so officials from St. Paul and Minneapolis are urging us to, so to speak, put on our Sunday best and a coat of fresh paint.

And one lucky winner — the person with the most Sprucing Up Spirit — will win prizes that include tickets to three of the Republican Party's parties to be held in the Twin Cities during convention week.

To quote the press release:

"This convention provides each and every Minnesotan with the unique opportunity to showcase to the nation and the world what we already know - that this is truly a wonderful place to live, work, vacation and raise a family," said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. "During the month of August we are asking all our residents to join this effort by putting a little extra sparkle in our homes and businesses as we welcome the convention visitors to our beautiful cities."

Local residents are invited to participate in several events including Spruce Up Volunteer Day on Saturday, August 16 when the Mayors of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington as well as thousands of volunteers will participate in an area-wide effort to clean and polish windows, streets, parks and green spaces.

"The eyes of the nation and the world will soon be upon us and it is time for all of us to do our part to prepare to host this historic event," said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. "This is a tremendous opportunity for our cities as well as our residents, who have the opportunity to not only spruce up our area but also to participate in several events that will be held in conjunction with the Convention."

Individuals who choose to spruce up their homes and businesses will have an opportunity to submit a photo and win a Red Carpet Convention Package that includes a pair of tickets to three of the best parties during the Convention including the media party and the delegate welcome party. To participate in the "Spruced Up" photo contest, people should submit photos of their "spruced up" spaces to photos@msp2008.com. Photos will be judged by a representative from the Host Committee and the cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Bloomington.

"Our months of planning for this historic event are about to come to an end as we enter the home stretch and put out the welcome mat," said Cynthia Lesher, president of Minneapolis Saint Paul 2008 Host Committee. "We look forward to seeing how Minnesotans will demonstrate their spruce up spirit."

Residents and business owners are invited to spruce up their spaces by doing the following:

Tips for homeowners:

Display the American flag
Hang red, white and blue decorations
Plant, primp, and trim the yard and garden (petunias and impatiens come in red, white, and blue)
Put a fresh coat of paint on your fence and touch up any chipped areas on your house
Sweep your sidewalks, decks and porches

Tips for businesses:

Display the American flag
Hang red, white and blue decorations
Wash your windows
Plant flowers
Paint areas that are chipped or faded
Remove graffiti
Sweep the sidewalk
Pick up trash surrounding your building

Additional events planned during the month of August include:

Airport clean up and signage campaign
Cab Wash at the Metrodome, Aug. 5, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Spruce Up MSP volunteer clean-up day, Aug. 16, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Metrodome parking lot (Fifth Street and 11th Avenue)
Saint Paul Conseco Upper Lot (Broadway Street and Kellogg Boulevard)
GOParty Card Participants will be given welcome buttons and window decals
Mall of America is planting flowers, landscaping and repainting.