RNC delegates may need to reassess their civics knowledge after local fifth and sixth graders attempt to bamboozle them in a test of U.S. government, politics and history in "Kids Stump the Delegates" game show at Mall of America(R). Six Bloomington area students from Oak Grove Middle School will be pitted against six delegates from various states in a 45 minute battle of questions and answers to claim bragging rights and a donation for local schools.

The light-hearted competition consists of two rounds of questioning. During the first round, the host will direct a question to the team and they will have 15 seconds to confer and respond. If they answer correctly they are rewarded with a bonus question. Each correct answer is worth 10 points and each correct bonus answer is worth five points. Round two will be the quick reflex-testing lightening round. Contestants will buzz-in to answer questions. Each correct answer will be worth 20 points and each bonus question will be worth 10 points.

Following the two exciting rounds the team with the highest score will be proclaimed as the winner. Mall of America will donate $500 to Bloomington Public Schools and Oak Grove Middle School in honor of the first place team; and $250 in honor of the runner up.

    More exciting events for media coverage:
    Fashion Day at Mall of America(R)
    Tuesday, Sept. 2
    8 a.m. -- Noon
    Nordstrom Court

Mall of America(R) trend and wardrobe specialist Sara Rogers will be available to show the latest and greatest in back-to-school trends and fall fashion from 8 a.m. -- 10 a.m. Rogers will also demonstrate how to tackle the nation's largest shopping and entertainment complex including a guided media tour of locally owned and Minnesota specialty stores from 10 a.m. -- Noon. Rogers is also available by appointment for special interviews and segments. Find out more at http://www.mallofamerica.com/about_moa_experts.aspx.

    Experience Nickelodeon Universe Day at Mall of America(R)
    Wednesday, Sept. 3
    Nickelodeon Universe
    6 a.m. -- Noon

As a media member, they will have a chance to ride Avatar Airbender, one of the new thrill roller coasters at Nickelodeon Universe before the amusement park opens for the day. During this time media are welcome to do live shots, hang out with Nickelodeon characters and interview the Nickelodeon Universe marketing director. From 10 a.m. to noon, experience all rides and attractions.

    Swim or SCUBA with Sharks Day at Mall of America(R)
    Thursday, Sept. 4
    Underwater Adventures(R) Aquarium
    6 a.m. -- 11 a.m.

Reporters are invited to experience an EXTREME adventure -- swimming with the sharks (and fish)! Get up close to over 60 types of tropical fish including puffers, stingrays, and even sharks! No special certifications required. Underwater Adventures(R) Aquarium will also feature the grand opening of The Glass Sharks Exhibit containing 56 Glass Sharks that represent the 56 states and territories with U.S. delegates. Two RNC additions to the aquarium are the Elephant Nose Fish and Donkey Dung Sea Cucumbers.

    Reporter's Retreat
    Friday, Aug. 29 to Friday, Sept. 5
    2nd level, northeast corner of Nickelodeon Universe
    8 a.m. -- 5 p.m. (Monday -- Saturday), 11 a.m. -- 5 p.m. (Sunday)

The nation's largest retail and entertainment destination is providing solace for RNC-frenzied media. The Reporter's Retreat at Mall of America will serve as an area for media to relax, recharge and renew during the hectic week. Refreshments, water, media materials and internet access will be available. Reporter's can also arrange tours and interviews with on-site staff.

Visiting media will be required to check-in for media credentials at this location. For more information contact Mall of America public relations at 952-883-8805.

About Mall of America

Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. The 4.2 million square foot complex is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor family amusement park; Underwater Adventures(R) Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-though aquarium; a 14-screen movie theater and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. For more information visit http://mallofamerica.com.

SOURCE Mall of America

http://mallofamerica.com

Fresh fruit, snacks, soda, water and comfortable chairs will be available. The decked-out room also includes four TV monitors airing news channels featuring recent and breaking stories.

"Media will be able to arrange interviews and tours of Mall of America at our Reporter's Retreat," said Dan Jasper, director of public relations. "This is a great opportunity for visiting media to take a break from the RNC and see what Mall of America has to offer its visitors and the great state of Minnesota. We'll also provide great story ideas to reporters and unique media experiences not available to the public. We've already been contacted by media outlets from across the country and throughout the world, and it appears the Reporter's Retreat is going to be a real hit."

The Reporter's Retreat is located on the second level in the northeast corner of Nickelodeon Universe, the 7-acre indoor amusement park situated in the center of Mall of America.

Media visiting Mall of America will be required to check-in for media credentials at this location. For more information contact Mall of America public relations at 952-883-8805.

    Mall of America RNC Events schedule:
    Fashion Day at Mall of America(R) -- Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008
    8 a.m. - Noon
    Nordstrom Court

Mall of America(R) trend and wardrobe specialist Sara Rogers will be available to show the latest and greatest in back-to-school trends and fall fashion from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Rogers will also demonstrate how to tackle the nation's largest shopping and entertainment complex including a guided media tour of locally owned and Minnesota specialty stores from 10 a.m. - Noon. Rogers is also available by appointment for special interviews and segments. Find out more at http://www.mallofamerica.com/about_moa_experts.aspx

Kids Stump the Delegate Game show -- Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

West Market Square

RNC delegates may need to reassess their civics knowledge after local fifth and sixth graders attempt to bamboozle them in a test of U.S. government, politics and history in "Kids Stump the Delegates" game show at Mall of America(R). Six Bloomington area students from Oak Grove Middle School will be pitted against six delegates from various states in a 45 minute battle of questions and answers to claim bragging rights and a donation for local schools.

Experience Nickelodeon Universe Day at Mall of America(R) -- Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008

Nickelodeon Universe

6 a.m. - Noon

As a media member here's your chance to ride Avatar Airbender, one of the new thrill roller coasters at Nickelodeon Universe before the amusement park opens for the day. During this time media are welcome to do live shots, hang out with Nickelodeon characters and interview the Nickelodeon Universe marketing director. From 10 a.m. to noon you can experience all rides.

Swim or SCUBA with Sharks Day at Mall of America(R) -- Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008

Underwater Adventures(R) Aquarium

6 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Reporters are invited to experience an EXTREME adventure -- swimming with the sharks (and fish)! Get up close to over 60 types of tropical fish including puffers, stingrays, and even sharks! No special certifications required. Underwater Adventures(R) Aquarium will also feature the grand opening of The Glass Sharks Exhibit containing 56 Glass Sharks that represent the 56 states and territories with U.S. delegates. Two RNC additions to the aquarium are the Elephant Nose Fish and Donkey Dung Sea Cucumbers.

Live Shark and a spokesperson from Underwater Adventures(R) will be at the media room on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31 from 11a.m. - 4 p.m., as well as Friday, September 5 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

About Mall of America

Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. The 4.2 million square foot complex is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor family amusement park; Underwater Adventures(R) Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-though aquarium; a 14-screen movie theater and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. For more information visit mallofamerica.com

SOURCE Mall of America

http://www.mallofamerica.com

"Columbia Sportswear Company is a brand recognized world-wide, just like Mall of America," said Maureen Bausch, executive vice president of Mall of America. "We are thrilled to have Columbia bring their unique product line to Mall of America. Our customers expect the very best and that's exactly what they get with Columbia."

Columbia Sportswear's new store has more than 16,000 square feet and features Columbia apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, along with its Sorel brand footwear. The new Columbia store will be open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

As part of the company's opening week celebration, Columbia will make a charitable donation to the Conservation Alliance and Boundary Waters Wilderness Foundation, two groups that share Columbia's passion for the Greater Outdoors. In addition, professional off-road unicyclist Dan Heaton, who appears in Columbia's current advertising campaign, will turn tricks on a customized Columbia cycling track on Nov. 22 and 23 between 12 and 5 p.m. in the Macy's Court near the Columbia Sportswear store.

About Columbia Sportswear Company

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and a leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. The company manages a portfolio of outdoor brands including Columbia Sportswear, Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, Pacific Trail, and Sorel. To learn more about Columbia, please visit the company's website at http://www.columbia.com/.

About Mall of America(R)

Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA(R) is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe(R), the nation's largest indoor family amusement park; Underwater Adventures(R) Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America(TM) -- a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. For more information visit www.mallofamerica.com.

CONTACTS:

Leslie Constans
Columbia Sportswear PR
(503) 985.4183
Email Contact

Ron Parham
Columbia Sportswear Investor Relations
& Corporate Communications
(503) 985.4584
Email Contact

Erica Dao
Mall of America
952.883.8805
Email Contact

SOURCE: Columbia Sportswear

http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=594558393B0CA03A
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=5729E390F84A2FB3
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=F3AD33383FAD28B3

The holiday season is brimming with joys and delights in Bloomington. Make Mall of America your first stop to find the holiday spirit, with a visit to see Santa Claus or listen to the wondrous sounds of the season at the Holiday Music Festival. Make a stop in Downtown Minneapolis to catch A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theater or Irving Berlin's White Christmas in Saint Paul.

Looking for the perfect gift for that hard to buy for person on your list? Come and check out the new stores opening at Mall of America this holiday season - American Girl, True Religion Brand Jeans, American Apparel, Niketown and Columbia Sportswear. With no tax on clothing or shoes, Bloomington and Mall of America are the perfect place to visit to complete your holiday gift giving.

The Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau is the marketing arm for the City of Bloomington and aggressively markets Bloomington, Minnesota, area attractions, and the surrounding communities, to visitors around the world. Bloomington is located adjacent to Minneapolis and St. Paul, just minutes from the International Airport, is the home of Mall of America, and is a premier destination for meetings, conventions, and tourism. For visitor information, special offers and to book hotel rooms online visit bloomingtonmn.org or call 800.346.4289.

SOURCE Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau

http://www.bloomingtonmn.org