Here’s another update on that Atlantic City/Monopoly thing. All across the country, there were rallies and protests connected to immigration. Atlantic City, a city of immigrants, will be galvanized today by a rally over a board game. From the AC Press:

The city that used to have a monopoly on Monopoly will host a rally today trying just to get back into the game.

The rally, organized by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, is designed to pressure the maker of the popular board game to find a place for Atlantic City in its plans for an update of the classic version.

The event is set for noon today at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk. It will feature Mr. Peanut, a petition and probably several politicians protesting plans by Hasbro, the maker of Monopoly, to release a new version of the game based on famous landmarks in cities around the country — none of them in Atlantic City, the home of the original Monopoly game.

Visitors to the rally will be invited to sign an oversized petition asking Hasbro to “keep Atlantic City on the board,” but anyone concerned about the issue can also sign online before May 12. The ACCVA’s petition can be accessed through The Press of Atlantic City Web site:

www.Pressofatlanticcity.com

The petitions are also available at the information centers in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall and at mile 3.5 on the Atlantic City Expressway.

A.C. to host rally for spot on new Monopoly board

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to reprise my role as Mr. Peanut to show my support for the rally. Actually, since I’m writing this as 3:15 Pacific time, it happened six hours ago. I hope it went well.

I used my Las Vegas Business Press column to talk about Second Saturday a few weeks ago, so I feel it’s only appropriate to mention First Wednesday here. But don’t go down to Fremont Street for this one–instead, head to St. James Place in Atlantic City:

Restaurants, hotels and retailers around Atlantic City will come alive on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, when First Wednesday AC hits an “Always Turned On” Atlantic City.

First Wednesday is a monthly event – the first Wednesday of each month – that provides a night to dine, party, shop and stay with discounts and packages offered at businesses throughout the town, and a free shuttle to get you from spot to spot.

Participants in First Wednesday AC are invited to park in the South Jersey Transportation Authority lots on Fairmont Avenue and Atlantic Avenue for a nominal fee and hop aboard the free First Wednesday AC Shuttle to the various participating locations. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes until 10pm.

Created by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, Atlantic City Outlets – The Walk, South Jersey Transportation Authority and Tropicana Casino & Resort, First Wednesday AC is a monthly program that provides a night to dine, party, shop and stay with discounts and packages offered at businesses throughout the Atlantic City area.

First Wednesday Atlantic City

I mentioned St. James Place because the Irish Pub has a $5.95 dinner special. Of course, you could go to P.F. Chang’s or Applebee’s too, but if you want atmosphere, head to the Irish Pub.