[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF CLEVELAND'S INTERNATIONAL 
                           EXPOSITION CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 25th 
anniversary of Cleveland's International Exposition Center (I-X 
Center). The I-X Center hosts 1.5 million visitors annually at various 
consumer shows and community events.
  Cleveland's I-X Center is one of the largest trade show and 
exhibition centers in the country. With more than 1.4 million square 
feet of exhibition space, the I-X Center hosts some of the country's 
largest consumer shows. Some of the most popular events include the 
Greater Cleveland Auto Show, Fabulous Food Show, International Beer 
Fest, Great Big Home & Garden Expo, Piston Power Show, Indoor Amusement 
Park and Trick or Treat Street.
  The Greater Cleveland Auto Show is the fifth largest auto show in the 
country. This fall, the I-X Center will host the second annual Piston 
Power Show which showcases piston powered cars, aircraft, motorcycles, 
trucks and trailers. The Fabulous Food Show has become one of the 
leading food shows in the country and features a number of Food Network 
chefs including Bobby Flay, Alton Brown and Cleveland's Michael Symon. 
Another show quickly gaining popularity is the International Beer Fest, 
which, according to the I-X Center, was the largest showing and 
competition of world beers in the Midwest. The I-X Center's own Indoor 
Amusement Park has been running for 22 consecutive years and features 
the world's largest indoor Ferris Wheel.
  Since the I-X Center's first show in 1985, the International Capital 
Goods Trade Fair, they have been reinvesting in the facility to 
accommodate future shows and guests. The I-X Center has already 
invested more than $75 million into the venue over the past 25 years 
and plans to invest another $25 million in the coming years to upgrade 
visitor amenities, traffic and parking in hopes of doubling their 
annual attendance.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognition of the 25th 
anniversary of Cleveland's International Exposition Center (I-X 
Center).

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