Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean is coming to Denver April 12 to host a public gathering that will celebrate Denver's designation as the site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Plans for the celebration have not been completed, but Dean will speak and state Democratic politicians are expected to appear with him.

The event will mark the first time Dean has been in Denver since the Democrats chose the Mile High City as the venue for the 2008 convention.

Dean is also expected to reassure Denver residents that the convention won't disrupt city life or make it impossible to get into downtown. The Democrats plan to recruit thousands of volunteers to help, and Dean may also use the celebration to invite Denverites to get involved.