DENVER -- Downtown businesses are rolling out the welcome mat for tens of thousands of visitors expected to converge on Denver for the Democratic National Convention.

"This is our opportunity," said Sara Neumann, of the Downtown Denver Partnership, of Denver's chance to make a lasting impression on out of town guests.

Two weeks before the DNC gets underway, Neumann said many improvements have been made to the downtown area.

A total of 113 new trees, 120 flower planters, 138 American flag banners and 138 Democratic National Convention Banners have gone up, Neumann said.

"Even the public art cows you see on the mall got repainted and spruced up for the DNC," Nuemann added.

Funds to fancy up the downtown area came from taxes collected from property owners within the Business Improvement District, or BIG.

In addition to light poles being repainted and LED lights twinkling in trees, 40 additional 16th Street Mall vendors will sell everything from food to paraphernalia such as Uncle Sam top hats, Nuemann said.

Improvements such as permanent flower planters and bright yellow recycling receptacles will last beyond the DNC.

"This is the pilot year for the recycling program. We're hoping to expand it after this year but we really wanted to get it going during this period of time," Neumann said.

Kathryn Smith, who was visiting from Chicago said she noticed the signs welcoming people to Denver.

"I think it looks great," she said.