Opening Day should no longer be classified with other unofficial holidays such as “Free Comic Book Day.” It is a tradition that is deeply embedded in the Cincinnati community and should be celebrated as such.

With this in mind, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to start a grassroots effort and let our City decide.

We propose that a City of Cincinnati Ordinance be passed formally declaring Reds Opening Day an official holiday. We plan to place the initiative on the November 2011 ballot and we need your help.

We need at least 8,522 valid signatures* on formal petition forms in the hands of the City Finance Director by July 11, 2011.

*The legal minimum number of signatures is 10% of the number of electors who voted in the last general election in which the governor was elected.

But in order to be seriously considered, we have to double that number. That means at least 15,000-17,000 total signatures. In a city of 332,252 residents**, we know it’s a lot of work, but we are committed to giving a long standing tradition in our City the respect it deserves.

**based upon U.S. Census Bureau 2006 estimates

Now, before anyone gets the idea that we think it should be a “day off” or a “paid holiday,” we don’t. It’s up to you, your company, your school, etc… to make that decision.

Remember, once we are successful in getting this on the ballot…VOTE!