Elmwood Zoo Donkeys Welcome DNC, Estimated $11.7 Million, To Montco

NORRISTOWN, PA -- The local economy will receive a significant boost when the Democratic National Convention comes to town this summer.

An estimated $11.7 million boost will hit the area, according to the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.

Around 12,000 local hotel rooms have already been confirmed as booked, the Board said.

To celebrate the arrival, the county is invoking the longtime symbol of the Democratic party, the donkey.

Pickles and Jenny, donkeys housed at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, will pose for pictures during a formal assembly of “welcome kits” on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. for the delegates that will stay locally during the July event.

Commissioner Josh Shapiro and Board president Mike Bowman will be on hand assembling the kits. The Board said that 18 different Democratic delegations will stay in Montgomery County during the historic event.

The Republican National Convention was held in Philadelphia in 2000.

Image of Pickles the donkey courtesy Elmwood Park Zoo.