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Cincinnati eager for All-Star spotlight on city’s progress

Pedestrians mill about Great American Ball Park as signs advertising the 2015 All-Star Game Baseball game decorate the perimeter, Thursday, July 9, 2015, in Cincinnati. The city is preparing for a weekend of events in the lead-up to the July 14 game. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) Pedestrians mill about Great American Ball Park as signs advertising the 2015 All-Star Game Baseball game decorate the perimeter, Thursday, July 9, 2015, in Cincinnati. The city is preparing for a weekend of events in the lead-up to the July 14 game. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

By Associated Press July 10, 2015 1 min read

CINCINNATI (AP) – Leaders of the host city for baseball’s All-Star Game say Cincinnati is ready for its close-up.

After more than two years of planning and sprucing up, organizers say everything is in place for a smooth, safe and fun five days of events. MLB’s FanFest opened Friday morning, and the city will have concerts, exhibits, celebrity softball, the home run derby and other activities finally capped by Tuesday night’s game.

Cincinnati is eager to showcase itself and shed any lingering images of a dull Midwestern burg with racial turmoil in its recent past. City Manager Harry Black predicts the world “will be impressed” by what it sees of today’s Cincinnati.

A heavy police presence Is planned to keep things safe, and motorists are urged to plan ahead for expected congestion.