Editorial: We can keep the Queen happy

The Queens Bees will be busy indeed.

The Majestic America Line got the community buzzing this week when it announced that the Mississippi Queen no longer will proceed to St. Paul, instead docking here the remainder of the season so passengers can enjoy Red Wing’s charm.

Part of that charm has been the Queens Bees, a group of volunteers who greet passengers, distribute literature, suggest destinations and generally make folks welcome. Combine that personal touch with the historic downtown, the bluffs and our flower baskets, and you have a strong draw.

Since the docking means passengers will arrive before noon and stay overnight, the opportunity is huge for Red Wing businesses. Downtown Main Street, the Visitors & Convention Bureau and the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce can and must capitalize on five remaining 2008 visits: Aug. 22, Sept. 5 and 19, and Oct. 3 and 19. Working together will be key.

We encourage those organizations and everyone else to get on board. The community has a chance to convince the Mississippi Queen’s owners to make Red Wing the turnaround spot next year, too.

Tags: opinion, editorial, mississippi, queen, red, wing